Looking for recommendations for reputable nanny agencies in Oxford (OX1) – not recruiting, just after advice!
TL;DR: Looking for recommendations for reputable nanny agencies, companies or websites in Oxford for occasional early-morning help for my two boys (around 10 mornings a year, with after-school collection the same day). Also wondering about cameras in the home, whether the same nanny each time is realistic, and what the going rate is.
Hi everyone,
I’m just trying to work out the best (and safest) way to find someone when the time comes, and I’d really value recommendations for reputable agencies, companies or websites.
A bit of context…
I’m a single mum to two boys, and they are They’ve both been through enough already emotionally with my divorce, so whoever came into our home would need to be incredibly child-focused, consistent and someone I could build trust with over time. (Dad is not aloud to see the kids due to court order)
I work in a profession where, around 10 mornings a year, I may have unavoidable work commitments and sometimes need to travel for work. On those occasions I’d ideally need someone to come to my house in the morning, help the boys get ready for school, take them to school, and then do after-school collection the same day if I’m away. After school I’d most likely just use the school’s after-school club, so it really is only those mornings and occasional same-day collection when I have to travel for work.
I know this is probably me overthinking (hello anxiety 🙃), but am I completely mad for wanting cameras in the communal areas of the house?
I’d be completely upfront about it with any nanny, but I don’t know if that’s considered normal or I’m over thinking.
I’m also finding myself feeling quite conflicted. Part of me wants to be ambitious and continue progressing in my career, but another part of me feels guilty even thinking about leaving my boys for those couple of hours. Rationally I know that having a trusted adult helping them for two hours, around ten times a year, isn’t unreasonable… but mum guilt is real.
So my questions are:
Which agencies in or around Oxford have you had genuinely good experiences with?
Are there any agencies or companies you’d avoid?
Has anyone had particularly good or bad experiences with temporary or ad hoc nannies?
Is there anything you wish you’d asked before hiring someone?
Is wanting the same nanny each time a realistic request?
What’s the going rate these days for this sort of arrangement in Oxford?
Im not at all in a rush and this isn’t an urgent need. I’m just trying to do my homework well in advance so that if work comes up, I already have a safe, reliable plan in place rather than panicking at the last minute.
Any recommendations, advice, experiences (good or bad), or links to agencies/websites would be hugely appreciated.
Thank you!