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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

Remember my "travel with a nanny" thread...?

14 replies

NannyClaire · 30/05/2007 00:18

Update:

My wish list was deemed to be reasonable, but they've now decided they want a housekeeper..... and their old nanny is returning as she hates her new employers (her words).

I really feel as though I've had a rough ride, considering I was told "We're not looking for another --" and "We don't expect you to do housekeeping duties"

To turn round and say, "Oh sorry, we didn't realise how much she did. We DO want a housekeeper, and you're not it"

Oh, people!

Now I have to look for a new job :-(

OP posts:

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Genidef · 30/05/2007 00:24

What do they mean their "old nanny is returning" ? How is it they can just do that?! poor you

Eleusis · 30/05/2007 08:00

Are you already employed by these people?

hertsnessex · 30/05/2007 08:31

how can they just say that? guessing you were still in a 'settling in' period?

colditz · 30/05/2007 08:35

Surely they can't make you redundant and straightaway employ a new nanny?

LynetteScavo · 30/05/2007 08:36

Make sue they give you a decent reference!

Eleusis · 30/05/2007 09:02

The reason I asked if you are already employed by them (sorry, I vaguely remember your story but can't recall all the details), then I suspect the reson they have said they want a "housekeeper" is specifically so they can make you redundant. The thing with redundancy is that you can't hire someone else for the same position, but if the nanny position no longer exists and up comes a housekeeper position than that's perfectly within their rights. My guess is they weren't as happy with your wish list as they led you to believe, and are just trying to push you out the door and take back the nanny sho was willing to do housework. But, in order to do this, they need to call her a "housekeeper".

I know I know... I'm a cynic. But, sometimes I'm right... sometimes.

ScottishThistle · 30/05/2007 09:44

Oh that's awful for you Claire!

Consider yourself lucky you're making an early exit rather than realise much later that they're slave drivers!

We all learn from such experiences & you'll ask more questions at your next interview, won't you!

Original poster

NannyClaire · 30/05/2007 09:54

It was a very casual arrangement, which I wasn't happy with anyway. Redundancy isn't really an issue - the issue is they didn't know what they wanted! They hired me because I was a professional, mature English girl with a background in education, to stimulate their older children. They've now decided that's less of a priority than having their cream sofa looking perfect 24/7 - and the old nanny has been saying how much she hates her new employers, so she's handed in her notice and they're taking her back even though she doesn't consider a 6 and 8 year old to "need" a nanny.

They said "the children are stimulated and entertained at school, our needs are really more to keep the house tidy and look after the smallest" (I know for a fact they left the 2 year old unattended while ex-"nanny" cleaned).

I'm best of out of it I reckon, I just don't think it's particularly fair to fire me for NOT doing something they HAVEN'T asked me to do!

But then again, life isn't fair sometimes and I know I gave it my best shot! I'm trying not to feel too down about it, as it really is a case of us not being right for each other. I need a family who see a nanny as a person to care for their kids not a servant!

OP posts:

ScottishThistle · 30/05/2007 09:57

Exactly, lucky escape!

I felt exactly the same when I was sacked & given an hour to pack & leave - life can be very unfair but most things happen for a reason Claire!

soak · 30/05/2007 11:03

OMG ST! what did you do??!?!!?!!

NC - definately best off not working for them - get yourself an employer who loves and appreciates you and who knows what and where their priorities are!!

ScottishThistle · 30/05/2007 11:19

soak, I was utterly shocked as you can imagine!

I said a couple of things out of anger then I packed a bag (couldn't possibly take everything as had been there 14mths) & made my way to the Airport where I had a double vodka for breakfast & rang my agency in tears!

Looking back, she did me a HUGE favour!

They've had 8 Nannies since, in 4yrs!

Eleusis · 30/05/2007 11:36

made my way to the Airport where I had a double vodka for breakfast

Sorry, but that amused me.

ScottishThistle · 30/05/2007 11:44

Eleusis, no problem - it amuses most people 7 still makes me smile!

I've never had a drink at 9:30am on an empty stomach before, it worked!(well as far as I can remember)...Also had to explain to the lovely woman on the BMI desk why I was in such a state (not just the whiff of alcohol/also the red blotchy look)!

Original poster

NannyClaire · 02/06/2007 20:03

Oh that sounds really awful! I basically got shunted out the door, and went back the next day to see the little girl and say bye bye...... though she did give me three weeks pay. When I asked for a fourth she pointed out that I did have all the time on my hands to look for another job instead of having to work my notice - oh well.

ST I went to Bristol to have a few days off with my mate which was just what I needed - yes, crazy MB's drive us to vodka! it's official!

I've got two interviews and an agency on Monday. Ho hum.

OP posts:

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