A guide to finding a nanny for a part-time role

Part-time roles are on the up, but they are tricky to fill.  So here is a guide to some of the things to consider when searching for a part-time nanny.

What defines a part-time role?

The rule of thumb is that a part-time role offers less than 35 hours a week.   

From wrap-around hours – when a family seeks childcare in the morning and after school in the afternoon/evening.  To roles that offer just morning or afternoon hours.  And also, those offering certain days across the week – typically four days a week and fewer and under 35 hours per week. 

Why are more people searching for part-time nannies?

There are many reasons for this, but the main one seems to be more people working from home.  As a result, families are willing/able to take on more childcare, reducing the need for professional childcare from a nanny.   

Why are part-time roles challenging to fill? 

The principal challenge is that part-time hours limit a nanny’s earning opportunity.   And professional childcarers typically want to maximise their earning capacity – after all, it’s their career.   But some great nannies are looking for short-hour roles, but they are few and far between!  

Offer an appropriate and attractive salary

Without a doubt, this is the most significant barrier to the majority of part-time searches. Short-hour roles typically come at a premium.  So, be prepared to offer a gross salary ahead of the average for full-time positions in your area.

Some nannies may find other roles to dovetail your hours, but that comes with risk.  What if one of the roles ends?  The nanny taking on that risk commands a premium.

Try and extend the hours as much as you can

The more hours on offer, the better.  We tend to see more success with roles offering at least 25 hours per week.

Some families ask for help around the home to enable more hours.  This approach will not suit all nannies, but it may attract some. 

Be flexible

Approach a part-time role with a mindset that allows compromise. 

Can you flex the hours on offer? 
Can you change the days to let the nanny take on another local position? 
If the nanny has a child, can she bring it to work? 

Think about all the things you can flex on and make that clear when posting any ads for your role.

Nannies will truly appreciate this.

Don’t over-complicate the search

Ideally, you may want a French-speaking nanny with a car who can prepare the kids’ meals and also help around the home.   But what do you really need? 

The less complicated a search, the more nannies it will attract.  Keeping your search simple and needs-based is critical if you’re starting from a limited pool.

For example, an after-school role that requests housekeeping is likely not going to be warmly received. If they are only with you for a couple of hours and the children are present, when will the NANNY have a chance to do housekeeping?

Keep it local

If you’re not offering many hours, focus your search on super-local nannies. A nanny is unlikely to commute 30 minutes each way if the shift is only for a few hours.

The more local the nanny, the more attractive your role will be and – typically – the longer the appointment will last.

Consider a Nanny Share

A nanny share is when a nanny simultaneously looks after the children of two families. 

Could you join forces with a local family with similar childcare needs?

There are many considerations with Nanny Shares and the blog featured below lists many of these.  And this route may allow you to offer a more attractive salary on limited hours.

Can you dovetail with another family? 

Do you have a friendly family nearby that could offer a dovetail position alongside your role? 

Could they offer afternoon hours if you’re searching for a morning nanny?
Or, if you’re offering Monday to Wednesday, could they take on Thursday and Friday?

These are still two separate part-time roles, but – when presented together – they may offer a more attractive package to some nannies.

Be flexible

Part-time roles have to be approached with a bit of give and take.

You can request a long-term dedicated placement if you offer a full-time role. But with part-time searches, you need to be more flexible.

A nanny might not be able to commit for 12 months or more, but with good and open communication, you can secure the loyal help you need for the months ahead.

Giving yourself the best chance to find the care your family needs

You may get lucky without having to think about the above.   But, more often than not, the part-time roles that think about the search from a nanny’s perspective are the ones that make an appointment. 

So, make your role compelling to give yourself the best chance of search success.  

Are you ready to start your full-time or part-time search?

Click on the relevant box below and follow the 5-step onboarding process.

We will then get searching to make you some local connections.

Good luck, and remember, we’re here to help you!