How much kitty/mileage is reasonable for a semi-rural nanny?

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We have a (wonderful, wonderful) nanny, who I am loathe to get rid of, but costs are seriously tight at the moment, and I'm wondering whether asking her to cut down on travel/out and about spends is realistic or whether we need to accept that if we have a nanny then those costs come attached.

We live in a small-medium sized town in the SW (high street has butchers, grocers, loads of cafes as it's a tourist town, trinket shops etc) with a couple of good toddler groups a week. However, we also live 5-15 miles from lots of really good things, like zoos, aquariums, big soft play places etc etc.

Nanny works 3 days a week and current mileage varies from 250-350 miles a month (average of at least 20 miles a day, and I pay her the full HMRC recommended amount of 45p per mile), and the kitty is in the vicinity of £150 a month. I have to stress that I have never placed any limits on her whatsoever, so if those costs are high she has never had any reason to think they are unaffordable to us, this definitely isn't a nanny blaming thread!

Now I'm writing it out I don't see how I can ask her to limit mileage too much, as even if they only get in the car two out of three days, it's going to come to 40 miles for one 5 mile and one 15 mile (each way) trip. And £150 really isn't that huge, only a little over a tenner a day.

Anyway, I'd love to know what is reasonable for a semi-rural nanny for kitty and mileage, so any examples of what your nanny/employer considers sensible would be much appreciated!

i am a sahm so not nanny, but find that getting out once a day is enough, we spend very little in the week, saving lunches out for when my dh is with us, we have a fantastic time pottering down to the park or playing in the garden, he also loves playing with toys at home.
i wonder if your nanny is going out so you have peace and quiet whilst working at home?

I work for two WAHP. They are the nicest, most laid back people ever and are good bosses. I look after one school age child, and another 3.5 year old. I try to get out of the house for as much of the day as possible because the kids just knowing that a parent is in the house causes all sorts of issues. I arrange at home activities if I know both parents are out/travelling.

I don't think it's a big deal that they go out so much, the issue is the cost. You've said your kids love it, and if they were overtired by all the activities I'm sure she'd stop. Every nanny/parent has an opinion on this, but ultimately it boils down to the children they know very well. Dictating to the nanny who obviously likes to go out a lot that she must not only cut her spending (entirely reasonable) but must also stay at home far more when you will be there too changes the type of job it is. She's probably so wonderful because you've been good bosses and allowed her to get on with it, just be honest and tell her you'd like her to cut back (and leave her to find creative, cost effective ways to fill the time instead).

I think you just need to talk to your nanny. She sounds very organised so would probably be great at cost cutting, just be honest. 50 a month should be enough for term time spending , maybe a bit more for the holidays. She needs to cut down on eating out and parking. I'd also cut out the middle trip, an activity in the morning and then one after school is plenty. At least one of those trips should be free/low cost. As nannynick says, this will be much easier now the weather is picking up. Feb half term was very expensive for us, but we can have weeks in the summer where we don't spend a penny.

I'm not sure why my pound sign is a question mark