We are looking for a new nanny to replace our much loved current one who is leaving us to start her own family. We have a son aged 7 and a daughter aged 5 who has Down’s Syndrome. We live close to the tube, bus routes, the shops and cafes of Highgate Village, Highgate Woods and Hampstead Heath Hours We would appreciate someone who is flexible with hours as both children are at school and Mum works freelance and therefore has variable hours and work locations, including some time working from a separate home office.
Hours
We would of course discuss and agree hours in more detail with the preferred candidate, but in summary we are looking for: - c. Four hours from 3.15 each afternoon (in term time) - c. Three drop-offs per week - up to two full days during the week in term (if wanted) doing other domestic support - one Saturday morning per month (paid at 1.5x the standard rate) - additional hours during school holidays - potential for babysitting We would pay on an average basis through the year – the hours should average to somewhere between 35-41 hours a week depending on exactly what we agree. Salary anticipated at £11-11.50 nph based on experience.
Our Children
Our son is bright, cheerful and highly energetic, and it is important to keep him physically active and developmentally stimulated; it is therefore essential that the nanny is physically fit, mobile and has lots of energy. He is at primary school five minutes’ walk away. He is very musical and is learning several instruments as well as attending a choir with his younger sister. He loves sport, with a particular focus on football. Our daughter has Down’s Syndrome but doesn’t let this hold her back! She is very bright, cheerful and energetic. She also loves to sing, dance and play as well as read plenty of books. She attends school a ten-minute walk away.
The Right Person
Whilst specific Special Needs experience would be useful, it is certainly not essential. However a passion for working with children with additional needs and a willingness to proactively support our daughter’s daily focused learning requirements (ideally with knowledge of SLT and Early Years Learning methods in general) would be very helpful as she benefits enormously from one-to-one reinforcement of what she is taught at school. Attitude, personality and energy levels are more important than experience, though qualifications are highly desirable and CRB checks and first-aid skills are essential.
We would expect the nanny to use any additional time when the children are at school or at after-school clubs to help prepare any learning materials for our daughter to use at home as well as help keep both children’s clothes and Toys in order and support other domestic errands. We have a separate cleaner.
Being outside and being sociable are important for both, so we need someone who will organise play dates and outings/activities, particularly in the holidays. We also would like somebody able to cook healthy meals for the children - and potentially for the parents if time allows. Musical aptitude is a definite bonus as our son needs support with practise. No driving license is required as everything is walkable/local (and parking restrictions apply). However, being a non-smoker (whilst at work) and excellent English speaker is essential. In your response, please clarify any experience you have of Down’s Syndrome or other additional needs, and also your approach to our working hour wishes as set out above. Thank you!