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Paid childcare

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

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Original poster

Would you be worried?

47 replies

slummymummy98 · 20/02/2016 04:06

We have a new au pair, she has worked two days with us and has the weekend off.

[identifying information removed as OP's request - MNHQ]

Last night, I told her she was free to go out that night and take our car to go into town. I said no problems if she was back late, I would leave the back door open.

She never came back last night. Late this morning, I sent her a text asking if she would be back for dinner and if so what she would like to eat. No response. I tried calling in the afternoon, and the phone wasn't answered.

Hubby looked through the window into her room and said all her stuff is gone.

Should I be worried or is this normal behaviour on a weekend off? It's our car, and our phone, so I'm a bit concerned she is AWOL. She knows the area well and has friends so I don't think she's lost or anything.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

moreshitandnofuckingredemption · 20/02/2016 15:58

In my day (20 years ago admittedly!) a working holiday visa was 12 months max, did you check her paperwork?

FusionChefGeoff · 20/02/2016 17:57

I'm afraid it sounds like she's done a runner with your car! Definitely speak to the people who recommended her - perhaps see if anyone has a different contact number you could try for her?

Original poster

slummymummy98 · 20/02/2016 19:51

Still no news or contact guys. I will message the people who recommended her and see if they have any further details.
She's on the second year because in Australia, if you do 88 days doing mining or farming in regional areas, you get a visa extension for a second year.

OP posts:

Artandco · 20/02/2016 19:55

Tbh I wouldn't do anything until she doesn't Return Monday morning for work. I au paired at 18 and would often leave Friday after finishing with a car and return late Sunday night ready for Monday work. I would travel loads of places exploring and visiting people.

allegretto · 20/02/2016 19:58

Did she say when she would be back?

Blondeshavemorefun · 20/02/2016 20:11

Def weird she's packed everything

I would contact who recommended her on FB and if don't hear from her within the next 12hre I would call the police and state she's taken the car and your phone and no contact from her

Whatdoidohelp · 20/02/2016 20:15

The people who recommended her - do you personally know them. If not I think you have been conned. Call the police and report the car as having been stolen as she has not returned it as agreed. If she has left no belongings- she isn't coming back! Check your house incase she stole other items.

Why on earth didn't you use an agency, it's your children!

blublutoo · 20/02/2016 20:35

Whatdoidohelp I am a nanny who babysits. It always amazes me the amount of people who ask for babysitters on fb (not complaining as I get a lot of my work from there!) but don't check any references or even meet me before hand. I just turn up and I guess they hope for the best. I know I'm a genuine person, but they don't!

Anyway, that aside. OP I would be worried, yes. I think if she'd left a few bits then I wouldn't be so much, but she packed everything and isn't answering your phone call either. I hope she turns up.

ICJump · 20/02/2016 21:52

If she still hasn't returned your car. Please call the police as it has been stolen.

Woodenmouse · 21/02/2016 08:55

Any news yet?

Blondeshavemorefun · 21/02/2016 11:07

It's been over 24hrs since you wrote this post

If she hasn't replied to your text and assume not an iphone so you can't track it then call the police

if her clothes etc hasn't gone I would worry and may be in no /low signal area - but evidence kinda sadly speaks for itself :(

Original poster

slummymummy98 · 21/02/2016 11:23

Not a good update. I've decided that we will not be hosting her any longer. My hubby has gone to where she was staying to get our car back. I don't think we will have another au pair.
Will be editing the first post.

OP posts:

rainbowstardrops · 21/02/2016 11:29

I assume you've made contact with her then???

Too late now but there's nothing wrong with having an au pair but go through an agency!!!

You are trusting someone to look after the most precious thing in the world to you! You're maybe lucky she 'only' took your car and wasn't a deranged pyscho who took your children!

Hope it all gets sorted though

Only1scoop · 21/02/2016 12:20

Au pairs can be great just source one through a reputable agency and confirm all references.

Thank goodness she didn't have your DC with her when she went AWOL

Whatdoidohelp · 21/02/2016 13:20

Do you understand how bloody lucky you are that your kids are safe! I cannot comprehend why you took in a stranger and were going to leave your kids in her charge. You probably saved a few bucks doing it the cheap way. Was it worth it?

Blondeshavemorefun · 21/02/2016 16:19

You can't edit posts

What happened then?

Assume she made contact then if dh going to get car

Tbh you and dc have had a lucky escape

Sounds like she needed transport to get somewhere

Nothing wrong with an ap but use an agency

Original poster

slummymummy98 · 21/02/2016 20:59

No cheaper than it was with agency, we were providing higher than the usual stipend. I even was registered with agencies but we needed someone fast and I thought word of mouth was good enough.

We've decided to go with the live out option we interviewed before who is highly credentialed. I'm a little down because I really, really could have used the help minding some of the kids of an evening while I ferry the older ones around to their various activities.

OP posts:

ICJump · 21/02/2016 22:08

Holy moly.
I'm considering an au pair for next year but now I'm even more apprehensive.

Only1scoop · 21/02/2016 22:09

What had happened Op?

Gladysmum · 21/02/2016 22:16

Her behaviour sounds off. Glad you got your car back.

AtSea1979 · 21/02/2016 22:18

Can you tell us a bit more?

3luckystars · 21/02/2016 22:26

you made a massive error allowing this weirdo into your home, don't be feeling "down" because you are now a bit stranded for childcare.

You have really had a lucky escape, you should be feeling very happy?

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