We have employed nannies before. They have each stayed with us for over two years before moving on for life changing reasons - we are still in touch with them and they rate us as a fair employer. We completely respect the profession of being a nanny and pay at the top end including tax etc (even though we are not high earners ourselves); we work in partnership in the parenting role and do not regard them as "employees" but trusted partners in caring for our children. We were really clear in advertising for the job that although the children would be at school we pay for a full day so some reasonable housekeeping duties will be required. By this we mean maintaining the children's areas and laundry, cooking their meals, keeping the bathroom clean (we use our en-suite) and vacuuming and dusting. We would also give lots of time off if I am working from home. However, what I have noticed is if the dishwasher needs emptying (because I had set it going before going to bed) it is not emptied for the three days I am away (she handwashes instead); if I have put children's clothes in to tumble overnight it is left and any other laundry is left to hang up for me then to air and iron. In addition she brings her own one year old daughter to work and so is often distracted by having to keep her out of mischief. I really want to make things work and I have restated expectations but it would really useful to get some reaction from any one who has a bit more experience. My instinct is that I am getting essentially wrap-around care but paying for full time.