Our guide to a great nanny induction

Our current blog series, Nannies- the top 10 things you need to know, is taking you step by step through how to hire and keep a good nanny.

Hopefully, if you've followed our posts so far you'll understand the importance of preparation and how to get the most out of your nanny interviews.

 So now that you're all prepped to find your dream nanny- what happens once you've got her?

Our top tips?:

1. Set time aside. Don't just expect to spend 30 minutes showing your nanny around the house before leaving her to her own devices. Set time aside to go through all of the small details about your home and family that your nanny needs to know.

 

2. Use a structured approach. If you want your nanny to work like a professional you need to treat her like one. A good nanny will use a nanny folder, will report to you daily/ weekly on activity and help you plan and prepare meals and the family timetable. Set your nanny up to work like a pro with My Nanny Toolkit.

3. Communicate. Make sure you discuss with your nanny from day one how she can communicate with you and let you know about things that are happening, problems and milestones. It's a good idea to schedule a weekly chat with your nanny- try and do it when there is minimal distraction.

Induction checklist
Things to discuss with your nanny at induction time:

- Communication tools
- Reporting tools
- House rules
- Important contact details
- Security details (alarm systems, keys etc)
- Medical details- first aid kit, local hospital, procedure
- How the washing machine/ dishwasher/ oven works
- Instructions for visitors and phone messages
- Petty cash instructions
- School runs and after school activities
- Discipline procedure
- Children's likes, dislikes, favourite meals, toys etc

Find easy to use templates to cover your induction at My Nanny Toolkit.

A word for nannies at induction time!

The induction/ trial period is a nerve racking time for parents and nannies. You'll need to do everything you can to establish trust with the family and really secure the job.

Not all parents will be sensible enough to plan thoroughly and prepare for your arrival. You may well be left to your own devices or trying to anticipate what it is that the parents want.

My Nanny Toolkit has been devised so that it works just as efficiently driven by the nanny as by the parents, so it's well worth considering using this tool to help you set boundaries and communicate with your new family.

If anyone has any great tips for induction periods please comment below!

Rachel Lewis is one of the Directors of KiwiOz Nannies and the creator of My Nanny Toolkit.