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Original poster

Nanny issue - spending too much time on her own errands

36 replies

Feelingoptimistic · 09/06/2009 21:05

I don't really want to give too much detail in case my nanny reads MN.

Basically, have only had her for a short while. DC seems very happy, and she is punctual, everything seems fine BUT she has been a little less than honest with me about what she does during the day, and on a couple of occassions took DD back to her place during the day, and I suspect she must have had some personal errands.

I almost feel like I should spy on her or something... What would you do?

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ssd · 10/06/2009 09:02

agree, if she's spending all day doing her errands then I'd be miffed, but most childminders take their charges to Asda/ etc., it isn't the end of the world

doesn't the op get a lunch break to do personal stuff?

well the nanny doesn't ! so she fits it in around her day.

LittlePaws · 10/06/2009 08:56

Also if she is caring for your child in her home and she is not a registered childminder, she is actually breaking the law.

BecauseImWorthIt · 10/06/2009 08:38

As an ex-nanny employer, I can't really see what the fuss is about, tbh. Everyone does some personal stuff during their working day - simply because we have to - e.g. go the post office, make some phone calls, etc. Why should your nanny, who will be working a very long day without a lunch break, be any different?

And what's wrong with her taking your DC to her house?

There is obviously a balance to be struck here, as her duty is clearly to be caring for/in charge of your DC, so I think you need to be very clear about what it is you're unhappy about, whilst also cutting her a bit of slack.

frAKKINPannikin · 10/06/2009 08:34

Nanny insurance would probably be invalidated without parent's consent, which nanny doesn't have so the point is a valid one.

Oligo · 10/06/2009 00:02

Assuming she is insured I think most nanny insurance would cover going to her own house occasionally. I've done this before now, for children to see where i live (come from!) e.g. as part of a day out. But I would never do this without checking with employer first and not at the beginning of job 'cos whats the point.

It is important you are able to trust your nanny though. If she is not being honest about what goes on in day this is a worry. Why wouldn't she tell truth?

Original poster
Feelingoptimistic · 09/06/2009 21:31

Thanks FS.

Yes, will be firm and clear !

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I am not used to this, as previous nanny was so fab I was able to just leave her to it and she did a better job than me !

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Original poster
Feelingoptimistic · 09/06/2009 21:27

Yes, Emmy84, I think that's the problem. Because the first time I told her I was unhappy about what had happened, but I was trying to be nice. So the second time that's exactly what happened - she said she thought it was ok !!! Yes, will make things very clear !

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fridayschild · 09/06/2009 21:25

I think you need to talk to her. She needs to understand that while previous employers might have been happy with this you are not, or not during her trial period. If you have got the wrong end of the stick I am sure nanny would welcome the chance to put your mind at rest, and perhaps that is the way to open the conversation. If you don't want to be a dragon you could say that she must clear it with you first before the DCs go to nanny's house.

My advice is to be firm at the start, and relax later. It is much easier that way round. I had a nanny once who kept popping into Mothercare for things for baby, which seemed fine until I checked the receipts. She was going to the Mothercare on Oxford Street rather than the three branches which were nearer the house.

Original poster
Feelingoptimistic · 09/06/2009 21:24

Thank you nannyL. I am glad that's your view. I kind of said that to her today, but I think I need to sit down with her again and have a formal chat.

OP posts:
Emmy84 · 09/06/2009 21:23

I agree with nannyl, nip it in the bud asap and lay out firm ground rules at least then if it happens again you'll know it isn't a misunderstanding and that she has just defied your rules.

nannyL · 09/06/2009 21:21

OMG

that is outragouse.. do you or does she realise that if an accident occurs at her house she wont be insured? and nor would your son.

I think yu need to nip this in the bud and tell her in no uncertain terms that while working she is to remain at or based at your home