Nanny not knocking, just entering

[kaciapayne]

Hi,
I’m a nanny, the parents don’t really give feedback so I’m not sure if this action is ok.
So I have my own key to let myself into the house, but if I know someone is home is it best to ring the bell and wait to be let in?
usually I just use the key as I don’t want to disturb them, however not sure if this is appropriate.
Thanks in advance for the advice!

I would ask them. They'll tell you the answer! It's not something strangers can decide about their home.

Would you be comfortable asking them? If you have a key I'd probably be annoyed to have to get up to let you in.

When I was a nanny I just used to let myself in but call out “morning!” as I came through the door to let them know I had arrived. My employer was definitely the sort of person who would have been annoyed by having to let me in when I had a key of my own though. If in doubt about your employer, I would just ask their preference.

Can you expand? Do you mean in the morning when you first arrive (I always knock) or throughout the day? Once I've been let in in the morning, I'll then let myself and the children in and out without knocking. They know we are in and out!

I would assume just let yourself in, but check with your employer is the best solution.

You should ask because everyone is different. For me, I woukd want my nanny just to come in - assuming she was arriving at a set time and would ensure I wasn't wandering around half naked at that time of day. But I can very easily imagine someone else preferring the nanny to knock.

It should be clarified and if they didn't tell you when they employed you, you should ask.

I've always just let myself in, never thought of knocking!

If you knocked and waited to be let in, would they not think it's strange you weren't using your key?

Our nannies have always let themselves in but shouted hello as they entered. It's the whole point of having a key and would be treated as part of the family.

I agree with asking what they would prefer. Our nanny usually lets herself in as we are rushing around getting ready for work and school. This is great as it means I don't have to stop what I am doing to let her in.

If she came by at a time we weren't expecting her to arrive for work (say she popped back to see if she had left something at the house) I would expect her to knock.

You need to ask the householders what they prefer. I would imagine knock to let them know you are there, let yourself in to save them coming to the door, then call out a greeting to announce yourself. As I said, check.

My mum's carer rings the bell to let her know she's there, waits 5 seconds and then comes in. That way she doesn't have to get up to let her in, but isn't caught unawares.

I’ve always entered.

they know you arrive at 730/8 etx

no need to ring bell

Doggy doorbell for some jobs announce me 😂

Of course you just use the key and go straight in, that's why they've given you it.