Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use an Agency?
Using a professional and reputable childcare agency, where personal matching and selection are of paramount importance, will give you confidence and peace of mind when recruiting a childcarer for your family.
Why use Family Match?
Family Match, Childcare Specialists, was established in 1993 and has grown to be one of the most respected agencies in the South of England.
We know that every client has different requirements, so well-considered selection is vital. Our aim is to accommodate individual needs through close liaison with our clients. We offer ongoing advice and guidance throughout the entire recruitment process and also on employment issues thereafter.
We are members of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), which ensures that procedures in selection and checking of candidates are of the highest standard. We comply with the REC’s strict Code of Practice in the recruitment of childcare staff.
What geographical areas do you cover?
We cover the Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Surrey and West Sussex areas. Our sister company in London – The London Nanny Company covers the whole of London and surrounding counties (to contact The London Nanny Company call 02073610011 or visit www.londonnannycompany.co.uk)
Do you interview all your candidates?
We believe it is vital to get to know our candidates as well as possible before they are put forward to a potential employer. All candidates are therefore interviewed by one of our experienced team of consultants. If a personal interview is not possible, for example, due to the location of the candidate, then the candidate will undergo a thorough telephone interview on the understanding that they will have a personal interview at a later date, prior to client interviews.
What checks do you carry out?
In accordance with the REC Code of Practice we will:
- Check the identity of the candidates
- Explore gaps in employment history
- Verify childcare qualifications, or have sight of the original certificate/diploma
- Take up at least two references.
(Although we take up at least two references, we advise all our clients to make their own reference checks on their chosen employee prior to commencement of employment.)
What is the procedure for recruiting a nanny?
Following receipt of your completed Family Registration form we will carefully match your individual needs to the information that we have on each candidate. We will then e-mail, fax or post the selected candidates particulars to you.
The particulars will be in the form of an initial profile, detailing the candidate’s experience, qualifications, interests and information relating to comments from previous employers. We believe it is important not to burden our clients with too much paperwork initially and further information relating to candidates is available upon request, i.e. full CV, copies of qualifications etc.
Following receipt of the candidate details, you can then telephone those of interest to discuss your requirements and arrange a first interview. If you do not want to make the first contact with candidates, then we will be happy to arrange initial interviews on your behalf.
Following interviews, we will discuss your feedback on each candidate. If none of the candidates put forward to you were suitable, we will continue to forward appropriate details of new candidates. We will then continue this process until you are satisfied with your choice.
Advice is available to our clients as to the suitability of candidates, together with information relating to terms of employment, tax and NI contributions, contracts, obligations as an employer etc.
Criminal Records Bureau
The Criminal Records Bureau has been set up to help organisations make safer recruitment decisions. By providing wider access to criminal record information, the CRB will help employers in the public, private and voluntary sectors identify candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially that involving contact with children or other vulnerable members of society.
All candidate can have a Criminal Record Bureau check processed through Family Match.
Ongoing Support
One of the unique aspects of the Family Match service is the ongoing support from the consultants at out office for the duration your chosen candidate is employed by you. We are here to offer advice and guidance on any issues that may arise during the employment. As members of the Recruitment Employment Confederation we also have a network of legal advice that we can use to assist families in any contractual queries.
Our offices are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and we can be contacted on 01962 855799 or by contact form