Nanny taking the piss?

[UnicornsAndRainbows23]

Hello everyone, I'm new on here. I started a new job working 2-8pm so I interviewed for a childminder and found the perfect one or so I thought. My kids are 7 and 4 years old and the eldest told me that she was told to go and watch TV in her room so that the childminder could mess about on her tablet. So it's like my kids are not important even tho in the interview 3 weeks ago i clearly stated that I wanted the childminder to help with their reading and writing and play with them. She has no housework to do and just seems to be putting them in front of a screen and then goes on her tablet. She takes them out for walks with her dog but if it rains it just seems like she's taking the piss. I've been very clear about what I wanted as I used to be a childminder and I honestly put 100% into playing with the kids i looked after and stimulating their wee minds. I've spoken to her about this and she has glossed over it and focuses on the fact they get taken out for walks. Would I be unreasonable to get rid of her or are my expectations too high? I live abroad and have no one to ask about what the norm is. Thank you all and I have to say I love mumsnet. The time and effort that is put in by you all to give solid advice blows me away!
Thread title edited by MNHQ

You're better off without her. She sounds horrendous. This is exactly why we use a nursery for my two sons - I was afraid if this sort of thing happening with a childminder or nanny, who are less accountable.

Possibly as you think. Equally, the role sounds like one many would accept whilst looking for something with better hours tbh. And probably in all honesty, less policing of her!

Either way, it's better you know today and party ways on Sunday when you have opportunity to try and mitigate the issues for Monday 2pm!

As someone who has lived in various countries as an expat your expectations might be too high depending on where you are living. If this is a helper style Nanny rather than an experienced/qualified childcare professional you will probably going to struggle to find someone who will adhere to the norms of a UK childminder/Nanny.

I think she should be engaging with them .Not on her Tablet certainly.However most people would call this a Childminder rather than a Nanny,I think helping with Homework would be above usual expectations for this sort of role though

I would certainly say to your minder, " "Why are you using your tablet at my house? Please leave it at home."

If she was taking the children out to walk her dog was she local or did she bring the dog with her. If she was a nanny then she should have been playing with them, helping with their homework, making them a light meal and generally spending the time with them and leave her dog and tablet at home.

However if she was a more casual “babysitter” then I think going about her business whilst ensuring they were safe, fed and entertained by whatever means is more acceptable. So it comes down to both your expectations and crucially, how much you are paying.

It’s a shame you are abroad. I think this would be a good job for me!

I wouldn't be giving her a reference if you're asked.

She sounded more like an Aupair or mothers help rather than a nanny, anyway moot point now she's found other work. Fingers crossed you get you childcare sorted out soon.

Thanks so much for all your replies. Yes, it was disappointing but I've learned what to do and what not to do the next time x