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Paid childcare

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

Nannies: market rates (bit controversial)

878 replies

Tanzie · 10/04/2005 19:35

Having read on another thread ("Paying Nannies when sick") gripes from UK nannies about jobs going to girls from accession countries who will work for less, (and do more in the way of housework), is this not just pushing the market rate down for qualified/experienced nannies?

I am not in UK, but I would look at it as providing more affordable childcare, provided you can find someone trustworthy and reliable. I lived in UK briefly about 4 years ago and a nanny friend of mine was earning GBP 25,000 and got a flat thrown in with it. This is more than I was earning at the time and could never have afforded this sort of money for someone to look after my children.

I am not suggesting slave labour from Central European girls, or paying them an au pair's "pocket money" for what is essentially a nanny job, but paying them a reasonable wage and providing free accommodation means that a lot of people, who could not afford a nanny or nursery fees, will probably be able to get back to work.

Of course, there will always be those who want a Norland nanny and can afford one, but it seems to me that your average Mum would welcome these Central Europeans with open arms...

I'll run and hide now...

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
colditzmum · 10/04/2005 23:55

Ellienj, if you make sweeping statements, you are going to be expected to justify them.

THAT is a fact.

Tinker · 10/04/2005 23:56

Damn, an addictive thread just as I need to go to bed. Go beety et al !

Beetroot · 10/04/2005 23:56

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omega2 · 10/04/2005 23:57

well i'm off to bed now

Lisa2 · 10/04/2005 23:57

Lockets- i am roman Catholic... could i seriously work for a Hindu family if i was a racist... you know nothing about me!!!

Ellienj · 10/04/2005 23:58

Right Im off to bed, Ive got to sit on my arse tomorrow, let the kids run riot...

Busy day n that... Night girlies!!!

CroNanny · 10/04/2005 23:58

Thank you Tanzie, but by no means am I cheap (I get more than the going rate, mainly coz of my attitude) I am not affraid to help, but I don't want to feel like I have to do it every day. My main concern is the kids, but as I said everything in moderation

colditzmum · 10/04/2005 23:58

Statistically worked out does not mean "pro ratad down".

If you can't keep what you say and what you mean pointing towards the same thing, then you should not be surprised when people challenge you.

And to be honest, if you were my nanny, I would worry about your tendency to get personal in an argument, and also your verbal (typed) aggressiveness.

Beetroot · 10/04/2005 23:58

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ScotsNanny · 10/04/2005 23:59

Ellienj, please dont forget Teletubbies tomorrow

CroNanny · 11/04/2005 00:00

Thank you beetroot

CountessDracula · 11/04/2005 00:00

I have an english nanny. This weekend we were away and she looked after our dog. When I came home she had done all the ironing and had obviously spent about 5 hours gardening!

Don't think you could call her lazy.

But it's swings and roundabouts, I pay her a good wage and a lot more on top. We support each other in so many ways. She is not particularly financially secure (single parent etc), I have a need for flexibility and someone who will muck in. We make a good team and regardless of where the nanny comes from, if you can strike that balance then you have got it right IMO.

Some of the comments on this thread are pathetic, racist and moronic. I am so glad I don't have to work for those of you who have made them

Ellienj · 11/04/2005 00:01

I havent been agressive, maybe sarcastic! I shoudnt worry about having me as 'your' nanny, because I wouldnt come!!

OMG - SOME PEOPLE

rolls her eyes, heads off to bed laughing!

colditzmum · 11/04/2005 00:04

Ellienj, I haven't got a nanny, and never will have, and that is not because I object to nannies in any way.

But I do think the way you quickly resort to sarcasm rather than reason point to the fact that you do not seem to have much patience.

PennyLane79 · 11/04/2005 00:04

I don't think you can reason with some people Ellienj , they obviously care more about having their housework done at a nice cheap rate than the happiness and welfare of their children.
I'm laughing off to bed too.

Ellienj · 11/04/2005 00:05

I have more patience than your realise, but this thread is beyond reasoning!!!!

colditzmum · 11/04/2005 00:05

I do my own housework, thankyou.

colditzmum · 11/04/2005 00:06

You are being sarcastic to me, and I have not said one word against any nanny. Why?

morocco · 11/04/2005 00:06

let it lie before it gets more personal guys

do you know I'm up waaaay past my bedtime thanks to you lot - lived up to its title tanzie!

CroNanny · 11/04/2005 00:07

Penny Lane79
it is all about the balance, think about that for a bit, I don't think that any parent prefers nanny to do housework and neglect the kids
there are some that take the piss, i know as I been there and worked for such people
but on the whole, helping in daily tasks including the kids in it, can be fun for them too

PennyLane79 · 11/04/2005 00:09

Oh I know CroNanny and my charge is expected to help tidy his room but I do not expect him to help with ironing for obvious reasons and I don't think he should have to sit watching dvds for 2 hrs on a nice day while I iron his parents jeans inside and out.

CroNanny · 11/04/2005 00:11

Oh gosh no, PennyLane79
that is not what I meant, not at all
I flat refuse to do the ironing as I think it is too dangerous with a running toddler, and I also flat refuse to let him watch TV so that I can do it.
I was just talking about small everyday tasks, like I said in my first post

Ameriscot2005 · 11/04/2005 00:11

Why take things to extremes, Penny. No one expects you to iron jeans inside and out. But seriously, if all you have to do is look after one school age child, what do you get up to all day?

Ameriscot2005 · 11/04/2005 00:11

Million apologies for being racist to ....Scots!

ScotsNanny · 11/04/2005 00:13

What is your problem???!!!