Let nanny go?

[robinsnest1967]

If you employed a nanny who at interview said she was experienced with toddlers on the autistic spectrum, however lockdown meant the parents were home and observed the (non) interactions which were like this: ignoring the child, on their phone 70 per cent of the time, refuses to take child out for walk in buggy, restricts his juuce, won't play with him, read to him etc. Would it be fairer to have a discussion/review first or just let go? Parents are on reduced pay so although money isn't a problem it would be "kinder" to say they can't afford her? She's early 40s and from abroad. Visa etc was in excess of £3k equivalent so it cost a lot to hire her but parents feel they are getting poor value for money and toddler ASD is possibly being impacted.

So, you’ve witnessed your child being actively ignored by the person you pay to be his caregiver, and you’re asking if you should sack them?!

Really?

She absolutely isn’t fulfilling her role. Have you spoken to her about it? I used to be a nanny and never dared to go on my phone except while I was eating my lunch even when the parents were at work in case they had a nanny cam. I used to spend hours thinking up new activities to do with the children and they were never not doing something constructive besides some down time after lunch.
I’m shocked she’s doing all this with you there and obviously doesn’t care.

Sounds like you need to start a performance review, and give her the opportunity to improve.

Get rid.

She's restricting juice which means she won't allow him the drink he expects and needs.

Is she your nanny?

This isn't me by the way. It's a very close relative. I have observed this today and they asked my advice. I used to be a nanny and I would never have dared been on my phone. I suggested to either do a performance review or sack. I just wondered what the consensus would be. If it was my child I would let them go.

If that's what she's like when the parents are home, then just imagine what she's like when they're not. I think I'd get rid as I'd never trust them to change and wouldn't want my child's wellbeing being compromised for any longer. She's an employee who has to fulfil a job role, not a friend.

She sounds awful and not the right person to look after any child let alone one with additional needs. Do not give her a review, an interview or a second chance. She shown you who she is. Sack her. She only used you to get a visa here and obviously lied.

They paid £3k for a Visa for her 🙀

Yes let her go

If she behaves like that with parents about what will she be like if they aren’t there

I’m the end the child isn’t getting their needs met

Thanks ladies. She's been let go this morning.

What did you say to her at the time?

I know this has been resolved but surely they should have said something to her the FIRST DAY they saw her acting like this?
With their next nanny they should spell out their expectations.

I don't know what the parents said, I'm meeting the mum shortly to find out. The nanny had been spoken to before apparently.

Did they hire via an agency?

Yep it's complicated because they live abroad.

They need to report to the agency. The agency have to provide other candidates to interview.

Yes this isn't great at all. The phone thing is bad! I do use my phone throughout the day (to send messages to the parents, to look up crafts, opening hours for places we may go to, to play music for the children and recipes if we are baking) and if they had a nanny cam I would prefer them to speak to me before jumping to conclusions. I only take personal calls if urgent (dentist emergency, rarely etc...) and tend to send personal messages when the children are asleep/ watching TV (if they no longer nap) other than that, my focus is on the children..even if they are in independent play, i am there, possibly with a cup of tea watching them so that I'm ready when they need me.