Tag Archives: references

General Safety Issues

FIVE STEPS TO SECURING YOUR FIRST NANNY JOB (GUEST POST)

Editor’s Note:  As it’s almost time for school to begin, many parents may be searching for someone to care for their toddlers.  We receive many good tips from nanny and babysitting blogs that pertain to the care of our children, so from time to time you will learn important information about the care of your child/children.  This particular post is for those who may be considering a change in careers, and what career is more important than to be trusted with the most precious possessions we are blessed with, our children.  pb

Securing a job as a nanny may not be as easy as you may initially think. Perhaps you’ve raised your own children and feel qualified to help others raise theirs, or maybe you’ve been laid off from work and think working as a nanny is a quick way to earn an easy buck.  The reality, however, is that many parents and placement agencies will only work with nannies that have several years of documented childcare experience. So while landing your first job isn’t impossible, it’s definitely going to take a concentrated effort.

So you’d like to secure your first nanny job. Now what?

Step 1.  Gain childcare experience. To be considered as a viable nanny candidate, you must have some prior experience working with children.  If you’ve done limited babysitting, consider expanding your client base and doing more. You could also gain experience by working as a “mother’s helper” or as an au pair. If you are not yet 100% confident in caring for children on your own, consider volunteering as an assistant in your church nursery or preschool, or connect with other organizations that service young children. There you’ll likely have experienced role models to learn from. 

Step 2. Expand your training, knowledge and skills. If you aren’t yet CPR and first aid certified, make getting so a high priority. Consider taking early childhood education courses at your local community college or participating in a distance learning program especially for nannies or childcare workers. Attending conferences geared towards early childhood educators can also help you acquire knowledge and strengthen your skills. Read books on child development, subscribe to parenting magazines and educate yourself on best practices for nannies. Joining a local nanny support group or professional nanny association, like the International Nanny Association, can provide you with nanny specific resources. 

Step 3. Secure letters of reference. As you gain childcare experience, either through volunteering or working, gather letters of reference. Keep a childcare journal and be sure to document the hours that you spend caring for children, along with the dates of care, parents contact information, children’s ages and your specific duties and responsibilities. In addition to childcare related references, secure a written character reference or two from a reputable member of your community that knows you well.

Step 4.  Create a resume and portfolio. Put together a resume that outlines your work history, educational background and child care experience. Include a letter of intent that states why you wish to work as a nanny. In your portfolio, include any certificates that you have earned and letters of reference that you have gathered. You may also wish to include some photos that show you interacting with the children in your care (with their parent’s permission of course), as well as photos of any special projects you and the children have done.

Step 5. Use all available resources. Once you are ready to secure your first nanny position, let the world know. Tell your friends and family members, create a profile on eNannySource.com, contact your local placement agency, and put flyers in places where parents and children frequent. Not every parent will consider hiring a nanny that doesn’t have nanny experience. Cast your nets wide to find the parents that will.

Like with any career, getting your foot in the door is always the hardest part.  Once you secure your first nanny job, provided you excel at it, getting future ones shouldn’t be so hard.

Sent by Martina Keyhill at (http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/5-steps-to-securing-your-first-nanny-job/)

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

TOP FIVE TIPS FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY WITH CONTRACTORS (Guest Post)

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The use of contractors is inevitable in most workplaces. The type of work being carried out at such times can be potentially dangerous for both contractors and employees working at the site. In the UK at least, health and safety law puts legal responsibility on both parties (the contractors and the clients) for the safety of each other.

Here are just 5 ways to ensure the safety of all involved. 

Carry out a health and safety check prior to work beginning 

Prior to carrying out work, make sure a full health and safety check has been made which both parties are satisfied with. Contractors need to be sure they won’t be at risk from aspects of the site – e.g. lead, asbestos, structural damage, whilst clients need to be happy that their employees won’t be put at risk by the contractors’ activities. 

Take care in selecting contractors 

The best way to be sure of your employees’ safety when hiring contractors is to be thorough in selecting contractors to carry out the work. Ask them for references, particularly for similar jobs. Ask how experienced they are at this particular type of work. Ask what their health and safety procedures are and what training their employees receive. Ask how they undertake risk assessments (and if you can view this before work proceeds). 

Pay attention to sub-contracting 

Just as important is to be sure that if your contractors do sub-contract, that you’re happy with their methods for doing so. It’s up to them how they select sub-contractors, but you are perfectly entitled to be made aware of their selection procedures to make sure you’re satisfied with them, and to ensure any sub-contractors will be subject to the same health and safety regulations and procedures the contractors are. 

Inform everyone who may be affected 

It is absolutely essential that all employees know there is work being carried out, where it is, and what they need to do to take account for it e.g. wear a ANSI hard hat if you must go through this area.  Also ensure there is a clear procedure for reporting potential safety risks and that all employees are made aware of it. 

Regularly monitor work 

Aside from relying on employees to report potential safety risks, appoint a specific health and safety monitor to regularly check up on the contractors to make sure all work is in compliance with regulations and pre-agreed processes.  Ideally this person should be a trained health and safety officer who knows what to look out for.

 Nick Lewis is writing for Universal Platforms, cherry pickers hire and training in London. Find out more at www.universalplatforms.co.uk