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Original poster

Nanny is a new driver

32 replies

shimmymummy · 30/09/2014 23:34

Our nanny is just about to start working for us and since interview she has passed her driving test. This is great for her if course, and it's easier for her to get to and from us, but she's expecting to be able to drive the kids around when she starts - we're not so keen. We made it a point in our advert that we didn't require a nanny with a car, We like our kids to have a walkable lifestyle and all amenities are in walking distance, the furthest activity she would go to is a 40 min walk max and there are frequent public transport links. We're also not so keen on our kids going in a car with a new driver yet. Are we being unreasonable? How would you approach this? Is there a certain amount of time you'd like to pass before you let your nanny take the children out in her car?

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secretcbeebiesfan · 01/10/2014 11:34

Is your daughter's school within walking distance? I am a nanny and didn't used to have a car, which worked out alright, we lived on buses and trains because there wasn't much in the local area. Now the kids are older and at school, I have been provided with a car because the school is not within walking distance. I suppose if the school is within walking distance then that's great but maybe consider letting her use it on occasion (play dates after school etc..)

Greenfizzywater · 01/10/2014 11:33

I have seen on previous threads, usually au pair related, some people say that they pay for the au pair to have a couple of sessions with a driving instructor and they can only drive the kids if the instructor says they drive ok. Might be something to consider later on if she wouldn't be too insulted!

Original poster
shimmymummy · 01/10/2014 11:17

Thanks for your replies! Some really good points to consider, esp re insurance, snacks and a review at 3/6 months. I certainly don't think it is too much a 40 min walk.

My daughter walked this from the time she left the buggy at just 3 the 1 mile to and from nursery every day. If she was tired we got the bus (with a 0.3 mile walk up the hill from stop to our house), rain, snow whatever. Thing is traffic is so bad around where we live it's usually much quicker to walk anyway. Now at 4.5 she is very used to a walkable lifestyle, and also scoots well which speeds things up a bit, it's a lovely part of our day to chat, it's healthy, it's better for the environment. These are very important family values to us. The baby will be 10months and will be happy to review how he will be transported when the time comes he comes out of the pram.

My rule of thumb if it's no more than a mike you should walk.

Don't want to rule out use of car in the future, I can see it would be esp useful in the school hols for the odd day trip, but right now I feel very unsure about it.

OP posts:
nannynick · 01/10/2014 10:02

Does she have the right insurance to drive them, maybe she does not realise that it is diferent to social domestic use.

How much driving experience would you want them to have, could you review in 6 months?
Local walks are fine but 40 min is expecting a lot, would your children walk that long? As children get older they won't be in a buggy. If public transport is good then using that is fine but if it is not frequent then it may mean lots of waiting around.

ChippingInLatteLover · 01/10/2014 09:51

I think you need to have another meeting before she starts.

What makes you think she's 'expecting' to drive them around?

Advertising 'not needing a nanny to have a car', is not the same as saying if a nanny does have a car/drive she can't take the kids in it.

40 minute walk there, 40 minute walk back... I think a lot of nannies would say 'No thanks'.

It's all very well wanting a 'walkable' lifestyle for your kids, but you aren't the one having to get them to do that kind of distance. How old are they?

Hanl30 · 01/10/2014 09:37

I just finished a job where parents asked me not to drive & I'm a experienced driver. I was there 3.5 years. I think it is completely reasonable & you just need to be upfront & say you don't want them in the car. If I went further afield we used buses/trains.

rm00054 · 01/10/2014 08:19

Just state that you prefer your children to walk (environmental concerns. Not wanting extra costs of mileage/parking). Nanny should understand if this was set out in the interview. Just say flat out that she isn't to drive your children (unless in emergencies?), you can review it at her 3 month / 1 year appraisal.
As a new driver I wouldn't want her driving for work. Not until she's got experience (not sure you can put a time on this because it depends on frequency of driving). She probably hasn't had much experience of driving passengers, so to drive children will be quite different! I also don't want to be stereotypical in thinking new drivers are clueless, but she probably won't be so careful about looking after her car (eg servicing, emergency supplies in boot, etc), or know about needing business insurance.

One thing I would say about walking everywhere is please realise that a 40 min walk takes 1 hr 20 out of her day, so you need to be more lenient if she doesn't finish all the chores that day. And provide high energy snacks as she might not be used to walking so much!

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