Nanny is a new driver

[shimmymummy]

Our nanny is just about to start working for us and since interview she has passed her driving test. This is great for her if course, and it's easier for her to get to and from us, but she's expecting to be able to drive the kids around when she starts - we're not so keen. We made it a point in our advert that we didn't require a nanny with a car, We like our kids to have a walkable lifestyle and all amenities are in walking distance, the furthest activity she would go to is a 40 min walk max and there are frequent public transport links. We're also not so keen on our kids going in a car with a new driver yet. Are we being unreasonable? How would you approach this? Is there a certain amount of time you'd like to pass before you let your nanny take the children out in her car?

Fine if nanny is fully aware she is going to spend 2-3 hours walking in all weathers before she starts the job.
Lots of nannies would be happy to do this 90 % of the time.
But it is the time when the weather is particularly foul, I'm thinking rain and wind. Maybe a day when she doesn't feel 100 % but came to work anyway so not to let you down. Not sure of your children, ages etc, but one child is sick, not up to walking. Those days would you walk? Or is that never an option?
I wonder if this nanny just assumed walking was encouraged but that she could use the car if necessary.
I would have a good chat before she starts and then she can decide if she still wants the job.

6 miles isn't far at all. I guess if the nanny thinks it is then it might not be the right job for her.

Just put it in the contract that she will not transport them by car? You are the employer and determine the boundaries of the job.

Agree put it in the contract and give a weeks probationary period then she can leave if she finds it too much before children get fond of her.
Have you got a back-up candidate ?

We don't have a car available (DH away in week time and takes car), but have used a reliable taxi firm in certain circumstances and I could leave an emergency kitty for that perhaps. Youngest is 10 months and will be in pram, oldest shouldn't be going to school if sick. If nanny is poorly I'd be happy to sub her a cab for her efforts for coming in or I could ask a neighbouring mum to drop off / pick up.

Thanks for helping me think of these scenarios.

No back up candidate :(

Think that all sounds fine. Maybe say when she has been driving a year you will review the situation.
I would prefer my children in a car with proper car seats than a taxi. Most taxi drivers in my experience drive fast and dodge in out traffic.
I wouldn't want a new driver taking my children on motorways, 60 mph roads, but driving 20-30 mph in a town wouldn't worry me.

I don't see any problem in it. I was walking everywhere in my last job easily would do a 45min walk all weathers. And so would my 4 year old charge. Just invested in a waterproof! The Nanny just needs to be fully aware what is involved before taking the job.