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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Nanny nightmare

31 replies

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 20:13

Help! My nanny is leaving shortly anyway but seems to be going through some sort of crisis and I came home to DD2 in tears. DD3 is no longer my smiley little one and DD1 stressed as feels responsible for other DDs as nanny ignores.
It wasn't working out anyway so we had agreed to part ways next month and we have new nanny lined up but having all 3 DDs together in the hols seems to be too much. Now all 3 are having their precious long summer
wrecked I think it may be better to get a temp for the next 3 weeks.
Tried the agency we use to recruit normally but no luck for this week.
Any ideas?
We have no family here and only GP alive not fit to travel.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

RandomMess · 23/07/2013 20:14

Could you take some emergency unpaid leave - think you are entitled by law?

Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 20:17

Didn't want to change now as too much change for DD3 but think better that than horribly grumpy nanny and sad children?

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Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 20:19

Thought about emergency leave but in the middle of a project at work and one man down on the team so it would not be well received and would also be letting team down.
Also, think that is only for 1 or 2 days while you sort out care??
Summers are so precious though. Am torn.

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RandomMess · 23/07/2013 20:20

What about your dh/dp?

RandomMess · 23/07/2013 20:22

Unfortunately you have to give 21 days notice to take parental leave

NomDeClavier · 23/07/2013 20:32

You definitely need a temp. Where are you and what do you need in terms of days/hours? Is a uni student an option for you to cover? Can you offer live in as that makes recruiting a temp much easier?

I'd get an ad up on nannyjob and your local Guntree ASAP as well as ringing other local agencies to see what they have.

Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 20:50

Thanks Random. Don't think Parental leave works as DD3 over 5. DH away rest of this week and v busy so no flex at all.

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Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 20:53

NDC - uni student would be brilliant. We are in Surrey. Need cover now for 2 weeks - full days.

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Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 20:54

Sorry. Didn't finish. Can't do live in and no time for gumtree. Will try other agency.
So awful to see my lovely bouncy girls so down.

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NomDeClavier · 23/07/2013 20:57

Often nannies who are looking via agencies look on Gumtree (or more likely nannyjob). Gumtree will probably net you students. The advantage of both is you can put a phone number and you just reply to ones who seem promising with a phone call. It can be very quick!

RandomMess · 23/07/2013 20:58

I wonder if you could phone up colleges that do childcare diplomas/qualficiation/nannying and see if they have anyone who may be interested - perhaps 2 of them?

What about those summer holiday camps - is it Beaumont?

Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 21:09

Random - hadnt thought of camp. Will check if DD3 is old enough. Tks.
NDP - have used gumtree in the past but got so many replies had to sift and then interview lots to sift through.
Would be worried if current nanny saw also. Then would be even more grumpy.

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RandomMess · 23/07/2013 21:12

Any friends/associates that have a nanny who would let you nanny share for the youngest if too young for camp?

Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 21:13

Hadnt thought of colleges either. Will try.
Off to google nannyjob - hadn't heard of it!
Thanks both - all great suggestions .

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RandomMess · 23/07/2013 21:19

I live in Surrey but work full time so can't offer to help for vast sums of money I'm afraid!

nannynick · 23/07/2013 21:36

If it's too much for nanny having all 3 at the same time, then having one or two do some hours at a summer camp may well be helpful and could be cheaper than getting a temp.

It could just be day camps (some will do all week bookings) like Big Hat Bush Camp (near Chertsey)
Three Peeks (Barfield, Farnham)
Sports Xtra (Hall Grove, Bagshot and Barnsbury, Woking)
Frogs&Friends, Sunninghill
SuperCamps - various venues in Surrey

Camps (typically for age 5+) are often times such as 9am-4pm, so it isn't all day but it may take the pressure off a bit and mean that your older girls have fun.

Have your DDs said what the problems are... are they not getting out an about, finding things to do? Has your nanny said anything about what is bothering them, is there a family or personal crisis or is it just that they are not being their usual self now that they are leaving?

MaryIngalls · 23/07/2013 21:36

Does it have to be a nanny? How about a childminder? Some of them agree to pick up and drop offs and even late evenings.

RandomMess · 23/07/2013 21:38

My other random thought was - is it the weather - it is so hot, I'm actually so glad to be at work where it is cool as soon as I get home I just crash. Perhaps this is part of the problem?

Zipitydooda · 23/07/2013 21:48

I'd suggest camps, ask friends locally for recommendations. There are good ones that I've used for my children from 3 yrs up that they really enjoyed but they're nowhere near you.

iluvkids · 23/07/2013 22:12

Im an experienced british nanny available on a live in basis... from tomorrow til aug 4th if any help

Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 22:13

I think the problem is our nanny doesn't really like children on a full time basis anymore. Only been with us a few months - mismatch hence we were moving on.
Girls say she is just so grumpy. Gets worse as day goes on. Snaps constantly. Ignores directions from me. And lets older DD be in charge while she ignores them all a even when out and DD3 is a bolter!
Hadnt realised how bad it was (too busy at work) but it has come to a head with the hols.

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Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 22:14

Zipity, how old were your DCs - older two adamant they are too old for camps.....

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Caster8 · 23/07/2013 22:18

Dont forget to check out references, especially since it is all going to be done in such a hurry.crbs? paedicatric first aid?

Murtette · 23/07/2013 22:20

What about childcare.co.uk? I got contacted by several Uni students who were home for the summer through that. Or do any of your DD's friends have (much) older siblings who may be able to help out?

Original poster

JugglingChaotically · 23/07/2013 22:21

Caster. Tks. You are right. Need to take care. That's why I tried the agency we used before first.
Wish I could just take time off but no accrued leave spare and not does DH.

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