Change in my working conditions, not sure how to manage with nanny

[Zhx3]

Our nanny has been with us for two years. She is very good, and gets on well with the children (and us).

In a few months time, I will become unemployed (through choice, as I am going back to study). We would like to keep her on, but I need to reduce our overall childcare costs, due to reduced household income. The pattern will probably be more heavily geared towards term time hours, with nothing during the holidays, as this will also be my working pattern.

I wondered whether nannies here had worked that sort of pattern before, and what sort of arrangement worked best for you? At the moment, she is paid for some hours where she doesn't have the children at all (to make sure she gets the same number of hours during term time and holidays), but I think this will be difficult to continue when my income stops.

Depending in the ages of your dc, you might be better to make your nanny redundant and take on an aupair. I realise you'd sooner keep the nanny, but it's unfair of you to expect her to accept a drastic lowering of salary because of your decision to go back to studying.

Could you have a really frank discussion with her, tell her that you'd love to keep her on but also understand if she would prefer a more regular position, and see how she feels? Maybe you have some local working mum friends who would actually like some extra cover during the holidays when their kids would normally be at school, so you could help her get the extra hours?

Some nannies may not mind this type of setup, especially if they have their own DCs or who don't need the full time cash, but most I know would not be that keen, unfortunately. If she isn't, I agree with pp that an au pair may be an better option for you.

Talk to her. She may be able to be flexible with you if she really enjoys and values working for your family, she could offer her services to families with school age children needing nanny cover during the holidays only to cover the gaps when you don't need her. Or you might have to amicably agree to part company.

Thanks for your replies. I'm currently looking at all sorts of options, including reducing the toddler's hours at nursery. Difficult to know what to do before I know my timetable for next year, and how long my commute is going to be. At the moment we have confirmed her hours until the end of my employment. I suspect it will average out to around 5h per week less than she is currently doing. Good idea though to see if there are any parents at school who might need holiday cover, thanks for that suggestion.

Be frank with her, have a realistic idea of what would work for you and discuss what would work for her.

Don't do it until you know exactly what you can afford and what suits you though. I was with a family who really messed me around in my last four months of employment because of changing needs with them and it has soured what was a lovely job and a brilliant relationship with the family.

Yes, I don't want to mess her around, so won't confirm hours for June onwards until I know exactly what we need. She hasn't specified a number of hours that she needs to work, just "full time", but I think I need to go through the different scenarios with her, and the impact on weekly/annual pay. She has recently had a pay rise, which will help to lessen the impact of reduced hours.

It doesn't seem very common to have nannies here, in fact I am the only person whom I know has one!

as a nanny of 24 years with various families. i would suggest you sit down with your nanny as you appear to have a good relationship with her and explain whats happening and the change in circumstances. the chances are she's picked on the vibes that somethings changing and may worry s that you're unhappy with her. i've always found the relationships with my employers always worked best when the communication channels were kept open. if you're honest with her then she has all the facts to make a considered choice. and will probably wish to try and work with you to find a comprise that suits you both. however if she then decides to move on then you have time to sort out the child care you need to cover your new position. this way everyone stays aimable and friendly and you part on good terms. possibly asking around friends etc if they would like cover in the holidays is good way of dealing with it. sit down one eve, when the children are settled in bed or if older occupied where they don't need adult attention, with a bottle of wine maybe, together , you that is not the children!! with your partner and explain, don't lie. tell her how it is what the different options could be and ask her opinion. if you're unsure of what your hours are. say you're unsure. this way you can work together to find a soloution that suits everyone without anyone feeling they've been mislead. Ive always found its far better to be open, that way everyone maintains thier respect for each other. Good luck!! keep smiling, it will all work out one way or the other. hope this helps.