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Original poster

Would you expect your nanny to work if your child has covid?

118 replies

Samthenanny · 06/11/2021 20:54

Jus as the title says really, if you employ a nanny would you expect her to come into your home and look after your child who’s tested positive for covid?

OP posts:
DifferentHair · 06/11/2021 23:23

Good lord. The selfishness of some people.

They're asking you to do something dangerous.

Tell them that's not possible.

Imagine if you caught long Covid from this, are they going to fund your expenses until you recover, or just forget you and find another nanny to exploit?

MolkosTeenageAngst · 06/11/2021 23:21

I would only expect this in exceptional circumstances such as if the child had a medical condition/ disability and required waking care 24/7 which parents couldn’t provide or if parents were away abroad and there was no option for them to come home to be with their own child.

If you did have to support a child with covid I would expect to have full PPE and a clear risk assessment and for the 2-metre rule to be stuck to as much as possible. I work in a children’s home where there is no option to have parents look after children who are unwell and our covid policy is very clear on the need for full PPE (cuffed full length gown, gloves, medical grade face mask, visor) and social distancing if caring for a symptomatic or positive child.

mumofthree22 · 06/11/2021 23:20

You should definitely refuse as it's against the law as you would be regarded in law as a visitor as the child has able parents at home who can and should be looking after them.
My DH had Covid recently (caught from my DD) and was bed ridden even though he is double jabbed so you could still catch it.
Think of the safety of yourself and your own family - it's a nasty virus.

SpookyPumpkinPants · 06/11/2021 22:40

Nope & you should have a clause in your contract regarding illness & contagious illness and it's time to update re Covid specifically!

I wouldn't go. They can expect all they bloody well like!!

nannynick · 06/11/2021 22:34

Are they trying to say a nanny is providing essential care? I'm not sure that is what is meant by essential care.

www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19/shops-branches-and-close-contact-services#retail-2-5

2.5 I feel is clear, do not enter a house where someone has Covid symptoms. Would be nice though if it said clearly that it also meant where someone had tested positive and was not yet showing symptoms.

Peanutmnm · 06/11/2021 22:31

I sent my nanny straight home when my two kids had positive LFTs. But she's said since if any more is in the house, she still wants to come to mind the non covid kids but would expect us to mind the positive child away from the others or if one of us, stay separate. Dunno what we'll do if the scenario crops up again.

Bellyups · 06/11/2021 22:29

Please say no! Bloody cheeky idiots.

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 06/11/2021 22:29

No. Well I wouldn't if I were a nanny. No thanks. Your child, your problem I'm afraid....

NotAnotherPylon · 06/11/2021 22:27

I am livid on your behalf, OP. I wonder how they would have reacted if you were the one who had Covid and you wanted to work as normal. Unbelievable.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 06/11/2021 22:20

Ask them to provide full, hospital standard PPE. The child can stay in their room and you'll talk to them through the door and leave meals for them outside the door.

In all seriousness though, they're completely unreasonable and if I'm not mistaken they're breaking a law or two there too. They can't make you go. They'll just have to manage like millions of other people do.

toomuchlaundry · 06/11/2021 22:20

No! How awful that they are expecting you to work

Sally872 · 06/11/2021 22:16

That's awful. I would call in sick for work and start looking for another job. Awful way to treat you. Flowers

Original poster
Samthenanny · 06/11/2021 22:07

@Thatsplentyjack

Why have you agreed to go? Confused
I’ve not agreed, it’s been expected of me. I just wanted to get options to validate what I thought was right
OP posts:
AwaAnBileYerHeid · 06/11/2021 21:48

Absolutely not.

Skysblue · 06/11/2021 21:45

Wow. No.

I hope you’re ok OP.

Thatsplentyjack · 06/11/2021 21:45

Why have you agreed to go? Confused

twocatsandtwokids · 06/11/2021 21:42

No!! I’m sure it’s against gov guidelines too.

Krakenchorus · 06/11/2021 21:42

No. And I can't understand how the pressure on them makes it ok to ask you this. It's not remotely reasonable to ask this of you, much less to expect it.

Verbena87 · 06/11/2021 21:42

No no fucking no. I’m a teacher and surrounded by covid soup but if a pill is confirmed positive they can’t legally be in my care so I can’t see why it would be any different for you. There is risk balanced against social, educational or economic benefits, and then there’s flagrant disregard for someone’s wellbeing.

ChristmasGrogu · 06/11/2021 21:42

No, sorry they are asking this of you, although I hope you don’t get it if you’ve already likely been exposed. There will be a difference with you getting it now and a bigger viral load if you’re caring for him.

Happyhappyday · 06/11/2021 21:40

No. It’s specifically in our nanny’s contract that if anyone is exposed, everyone stays home & nanny still gets paid regular hours.

Now nanny is vaccinated if she offered to look after DC I’d take her up on it, but only because I know 100% she does not feel obligated and would only offer if she felt comfortable (snd I doubt she would).

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 06/11/2021 21:40

According to the official guidelines you can't go in. You would be considered a visitor to the home as you are not an essential career regulated by the care quality commission.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection#visitors-to-the-household

Bluntness100 · 06/11/2021 21:38

No of course not, but I can see why some folks would be under enough pressure to request it,

Heavymetaldetector · 06/11/2021 21:38

Absolutely not. They would be sent away from school or other setting so no.

WorkingItOutAsIGo · 06/11/2021 21:36

Just no. Other illnesses yes, Covid no.