to say no to this in future?

[mycatoscar]

I work in a school and for 2 weeks in a row now one of the childminders that picks up children has asked me to look after them until half an hour after school finishes because she has something else to do - one week it was a medical appointment and this week it is an event at her own child's school

I reluctantly said yes the first time and was really put on the spot this morning so I guess I am signed up for tomorrow

my question is, am I being petty to say no next time? By three fifthteen on a friday afternoon I just want a cuppa and peace and quiet and to get through my paperwork quick so I can go home to my own family. I don't want to do unpaid babysitting duties

the thing is, that the children are good and no trouble - but they are there, I cant leave the room to get a cuppa and I just think the childminder is taking the piss to be honest.

oh and the cm never actually said please - just realised that!

YADNBU. You have a job to do. You do it you go home. She has a job to do and at the minute she is trying to get you to do it for her. It is unfair to you, her employers and the children in her care. Do her employers know?

If I am paying someone to look after my child I expect them to do it. I would not be happy if they "sub-contracted" it to anyone. If you can, just say "NO", if not then say "no" and make up an excuse. Make it up now so you have it ready and practice saying it nonchalantly.

No. And don't feel bad because unless it's an organised school activity you are not insured so use this if you have to to put off the cheeky mare. If she is going to do this for a living she needs to organise it better. A one off genuine emergency is one thing but using you as a valid option is out of order.

Is is actually legal?

If she has a prior engagement, then it is up to her to sort it out with the people who pay her.

What is it you do at the school?

It does sound really cheeky of her to ask, but then you said you would so I'm not sure.

She shouldn't be relying on the school though to do her job, do the parents of the children know do you think?

I am planning to do tomorrow, since I already reluctantly agreed today, wish I didnt have to but I dont like going back on my word.

Next time I think I will just say "no, sorry, I can't do that". I don't feel I should have to actually make an excuse.

I do wonder if the parents know (childminder is their relative), and am wondering if I drop it into conversation at next weeks consultations LOL

I am a class teacher - does that make a difference?

I dont mind helping anyone in a genuine emergency, honest.

Yanbu

she is takin the piss IMO

You're a teacher?! Is she a friend of yours? She's taking the piss big time

What you do in the schol probably would make a difference.

Not that either is OK to ask to look after children you're paid to care for, but if you were a cleaner working after school hours it'd be different to being a teacher, to the parents at least.

Hypothetical scenario then - my dc goes to your school and is in your class. I'm going to struggle to get to school at pickup time tomorrow, would you keep my dc for half an hour?

You say no.

I say - well how come you're doing it for the CM then?

I think she's being a cheeky cow, and I agree with kitbit in that I would question whether or not you are actually insured if (various deities forbid) anything untoward did happen.

I'd collar her in the morning and tell her you can't help any more.

I think you are going above and beyond your remit and am not sure you would be insured to look after the children out of school hours as that is what you are doing. Surely you could get in trouble with the head for doing what is in effect babysitting in your classroom when the school finishes. I would say to her tomorrow or the next time Im sorry but I can get into trouble as I am not insured out of school hours to look after children. Otherwise she is going to constantly ask you. It isn't your place to babysit.

no, not a friend - infact barely spoke to me until last friday morning!

I see the point about what I do in school, from a parents point of view they probably wouldnt have a problem with it being me the children were left with - they might not be pleased that their children were being left at school half an hour late though.

okay well thanks for the input - I am relieved with the overall reaction as someone else at school seemed to think I was being a right miserable cow to not want to do it

i will speak to our head tomorrow too

If someone else in school thought it was ok, perhaps they'd like to do it for you? YANBU

PMSL, this particular person is very good at making me feel like i dont do enough, whilst swanning off at every opportunity!

YANBU, but thank you for saying you'd help out in a genuine emergency.

I have no family around here and DH works away a lot, I have to rely on the good will of people around to help out very occasionally. Not for hair apointments or shopping trips but for the genuine unplanned stuff that comes up. The last one was a lorry stuck in the lane having to be towed out. So please carry on helping out for the emergencys. I appreciate it and I back up the school in return.

I gave glowing reports to OFSTED about our teachers and all the support staff.

and i bet you always say thankyou blackbag! Unlike this childminder, but yes, always happy to help anyone in a genuine emergency - god knows I've had to ask for emergency favours myself when it snowed.

You need to nip this in the bud. Tell the CM that you will not be able to do this again as you have other duties in your work as a teacher after you have finished teaching the class, which you are prevented from doing when you are taking on HER job.

And do tell the parents.
Yanbu.