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

Original poster

I am having a really bad day

70 replies

Katymac · 14/11/2006 19:53

My newest member of staff phone in yesterday as her ds was ill (fine - I understand children being ill)

Then she phoned in today - he was better but she didn't want to leave him - I thought poor little sausage never mind -she'll be in tomorrow

She ang tonite to say she only wanted to work 2 days a week (so I tried to work that out) and I rang back to say how about 3 days...but shorter hours

Now she says she wants to give up completely and she won't be in Wed, Thurs & Fri

What can I do with all my mindees - I am going to have to let the parents down

I may even have to close

I can't beleive it

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nannynick · 14/11/2006 20:05

Oh no, that's not good news at all. Could you not try to encourage her to work rest of the week, so at least you have a few days to try to arrange alternative cover? Also would give you opportunity to discuss the issues that exist (there must be some for your staff member to be making this decision), and perhaps you can find a soluition.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 20:11

Well she thought she would come in for my busiest hour - but then left a message on the answerphone to say that she won't be

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Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 20:14

I feel so let down

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LoveMyGirls · 14/11/2006 20:19

oh no!

did you explain to her about having to close?

could she bring her son with her?

Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 20:31

That's what I suggested - but apparently not - it's my fault he's been ill

Grrr people are so unreliable

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happybiggirl · 14/11/2006 20:33

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Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 20:36

Well only 4 weeks but I could have done with a few days notice....a week would have been fab rather than -2 days (ie yeaerday & today she had actually left - just not told me)

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happybiggirl · 14/11/2006 20:39

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Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 20:43

Yes I have a contract

I guess I can deduct a weeks money in lieu of notice (seems a bit mean tho')

My member of staff that could do it - has said no (I have been having issues with lack of interest recently so I wasn't surprised)

My other members of staff have offered to take minded children up to school to pick up thier children - then all come back here until enough children have gone home - but it really messes up thier lives (eg football/rainbows/clubs etc)

I need a new member of staff asap -anyone want a job?

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LoveMyGirls · 14/11/2006 20:47

seems a bit mean - this is your business, your livelihood - she has let you down even though you have bent over backwards!! take the money!! you're going to lose money or put upon your other reliable staff and its because she couldnt work a few more days, why did she take the job if she wasn't going to stick at it longer than 5 mins, some people really do annoy me.

good luck hun i really hope it works out.

happybiggirl · 14/11/2006 20:48

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Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 20:52

I do - I couldn't do without them

Unfortunatley I don't seem to engender (is that the right word) the same sort of loyalty in my newer members of staff - I don't know what I do wrong but this afternoon position has been causing me no end of problems

No-one wants to work 2:30 until 6:30 it has been a nightmare to fill

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happybiggirl · 14/11/2006 20:54

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Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 20:59

Well I try & include them - but they only want to do their hours and go home - no socialising or staff meetings even

Maybe I am a bad employer? I manage everyone time off - I organise (& pay for ) training - I try & give responsibility

Oh Poo!!

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happybiggirl · 14/11/2006 21:00

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Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 21:03

No - it is something I am really worried about

How do you be a good boss?

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LoveMyGirls · 14/11/2006 21:04

don't start doubting your self KM - you are brilliant at what you do or you wouldn't have come this far!!!!!!!!!

The fact you have other loyal members of staff shows you are good at managing people.

Its just a bad day, have a glass of wine and go to bed, things will seem better tomorrow, worrying about it won't help. maybe tomorrow when your head is clear you will think of an obvious solution [horeful emoticon]

happybiggirl · 14/11/2006 21:15

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LoveMyGirls · 14/11/2006 21:16

meant to say hopeful emoticon ooops

Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 21:16

Thanks guys - I am wondering if I can take on any more responsibility (the nursery)

It's all a bit much tonite - I do feel like cutting it all down so that I have less children here and less hassle

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Twoandabump · 14/11/2006 21:18

I don't know where you are, but you could advertise or find someone who can help at short notice, or maybe get a cm involbed so that they could be on hand should something go wrong? Just thinking that is what we do (we have a cm group,a nd use each otehr for cover/hols etc). Just a thought.

happybiggirl · 14/11/2006 21:19

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Original poster
Katymac · 14/11/2006 21:25

Appreciate your support

I will go to bed - I feel so down

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happybiggirl · 14/11/2006 21:31

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Original poster
Katymac · 15/11/2006 08:02

She rang today to try and justify her not coming in

I said that now (while I was getting dressed) was not a good time to talk about it

She said that she had been up since 5am with her son

She said that she couldn't manage the walk

I said that I had brought both of those issues up at the interview and that she had said she would cope

I am so frustrated DH has a hospital appointment on Thursday - I have too many children and no way to get DD home

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