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Original poster

Nanny wants to take extra leave in term time but already used allowance for year

60 replies

JugglingChaotically · 29/09/2014 06:26

I was very clear with our current nanny that holidays in term time are to be exceptional circs only.
Also that they are vital to our life as our only help.
We pay v well for full time nanny to ensure cover in hols and after school. Also clear that if one of us travels then overtime required. and expect
We have 3 DCs all at school, no family here and GPs too old to help. We both work full time. DH travels periodically and I have a long commute.
Despite this, current nanny asked for a week to go on large holiday with friends last term - we were moving house, date on final but was def around the time she wanted, ended up moving while she was away. Nightmare but we got there.
She has no annual leave left even for Christmas. I did point this out but she said she didn't need more and would just take stat hols at Christmas.
A few weeks ago she asked if we were going away for October half term - I said no!
Now she has asked to leave early one day in a couple of weeks - she said she would ask another mother to have DD. DH will be away and the commute is such I would have to take a days leave - but I don't have any left except that saved for carol sevices, nativity play and Christmas.
At the same time she has asked for an early finish and the next day off so she can go away for the weekend.
Again offering to get another mother to cover for her.
She has asked to take from next years leave but will take unpaid if required.
I am shocked.
Nanny's swap and cover for each other but she hadn't networked with nannies.
How to pay back mothers. It's not a reasonable ask.
I just can't take leave as it will mean missing time at Christmas - and I can only take 3 days between stat hols anyway.
Never had a nanny who doesn't get their key role and problem with term time hols.
How to reply.
I can't recruit right now if she quits if I say no.

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FishWithABicycle · 29/09/2014 06:50

What would you do if she was off sick and unable to work? Could you consider allowing her unpaid leave if she also funds the difference between her wages and a temp (nanny agencies can supply these normally for a £30ish finding fee -not like the massive fees they charge for filling a permanent vacancy)

It's not exactly unreasonable to ask for extra time off - it never hurts to ask - but it would be ridiculous for her to quit if you said no. Someone who would quit a decent job because of an employer not being able to do them a massive favour doesn't sound like a good personality to have charge of kids. I don't think many people would quit over this.

Original poster
JugglingChaotically · 29/09/2014 06:47

Re time in lieu- if she wanted to do that for Christmas that would be fine as I will be off and have scheduled my holidays.
Have done this before.
DH and I have juggled willingly in past for the very odd time off in term time by nanny.
But not for term time I can't do it now as I have no leave other than Christmas. DH also and he will be away for one.
Goes without saying that the answer will be no if I ask for unpaid leave. DH also.
So nanny can take extra leave will not be deemed a good reason!
I was v clear at interview and since. It's like teaching. Term time hols can't happen unless exceptional circs.

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Original poster
JugglingChaotically · 29/09/2014 06:43

Coolas. It means I would miss time at Christmas. Let to a working mother.

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Original poster
JugglingChaotically · 29/09/2014 06:42

Drinkyourmilk - will try talking to her but DH already did. I till she just down at get it.

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Original poster
JugglingChaotically · 29/09/2014 06:41

Thanks. Have reported. Haven't done that before.

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Coolas · 29/09/2014 06:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

drinkyourmilk · 29/09/2014 06:35

Ive always said if you don't ask then you don't get-but I wouldn't ask so frequently.
I would just refuse the request and see what happens. You say you can't recruit at the moment- but any number of things could mean you had to.
As an aside- I realised I had no leave left for christmas (both my employers and I took more than we planned this year)- so I'm accumulating over time and will take time in lieu instead of being paid. Is that an option?

Littlefish · 29/09/2014 06:30

Do you realise that you've put your daughter's name in your message. If you report it to MNHQ they may be able to delete your post, or amend it for you.

With regard to your nanny, if you feel that you have been completely clear about your contract with her, then I would say no. If the job is well paid and she enjoys it, I wouldn't think that she would leave just because of a missed weekend away.

PinkAndBlueBedtimeBears · 29/09/2014 06:30

No idea about any of this, but not sure if your aware you've used your dds name in here? If it's a problem just report your op and ask MNHQ to change it, hope you get an answer- sounds cheeky at best Hmm

Original poster
JugglingChaotically · 29/09/2014 06:28

Sorry that was long.
Posting now as she first mentioned to DH not me. He expressed surprise given term time, lack of hols etc.
Heard nothing.
Email just received!
And early stop is for concert arranged months ago it appears - but could go on non work night as it is on!

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