Would you change nanny because if these reasons?

[NNDS]

Our nanny has been with us for just over a year.

Children (4&2) adore her. She is good with them and they seem to enjoy each other's company.

Reasons we are considering letting her go:

1. She doesn't speak good English. I have discouraged her from reading to the children but she keeps doing it. I know it's not easy as DC keep asking for stories. Today she read the word 'pea' as 'pear'! My 4 year old is only starting to read confidenyly and she got really confused why nanny was saying pear instead of pea (princess and the peas story).

1. She indirectly criticises the way we do things. For example, 2-year old still wants milk in a bottle when he is tired in the afternoon. I've said to her that I do not mind him having his milk in a bottle as this happens once a day and I don't see a big deal. She mocks him saying why is he behaving like a baby having milk in a bottle.

1. She gets moody and turns the atmosphere in the house very tense. During her moody periods (can last 3/4 days at a time) she will give one-word answers and generally be unfriendly towards me and DH. During these episodes she doesn't do the chores she is responsible for (children's laundry and tidying up after children)

There are a few more niggles but these are the major ones. DH is adamant he wants her gone but I feel torn as the children are fond of her. She is good with them.

What do you think mumsnetters?

Going by these few points. No, I wouldn't continue. The mood swings are not healthy. It is disrespectful to mock the children.

I would start shopping for a new one. When you find someone great your decision to let her go will be easy.

Get rid. Children will more than likely be fond of a new nanny pretty quickly.

I would let her go - I would be worried about how she treats the children when in one of her moods

I'd also be letting go, but mostly because of the reading issue because that won't change no matter how much she pulls her socks up on the other two points. Have you raised her attitude with her?

When letting a nanny go you always need to keep in mind what you want to say to future employers and ensure you stay on the right dude of the law with the reference.

Thank you all. Can anyone suggest how I can word my reasons to her for giving her notice? I don't think she will take it kindly and will probably be unfriendly for the whole month of her notice period. I think we wil just give her a month's pay (that is the agreed notice period) to save ourselves and the children the hassle.

Thanks again

I would suggest getting proper employment law advice as to how to do it. It may be offered by your payroll company - I pay £20 a year extra for access to an employment lawyer with PAYEfornannies.

Thank you, I'll have a look.