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Home ed

Find advice from other parents on our Homeschool forum. You may also find our round up of the best online learning resources useful.

Original poster

H.E but I'm the nanny

63 replies

AMcoffeeLover · 12/06/2015 21:13

I hope you can offer some advice. I'm a nanny due to start with a new family in the summer, children both infant school age.
However the mum just called to tell me they haven't got into the private schools they wanted and have a years wait.
Background on me - qualified nursery nurse, in my 20s, qualified dietician (degree), various smaller qualifications in speech and language ect, this being my 4th nanny job. Role was to be nanny/housekeeper, 55 hours a week.
Basically I've I
Been asked to home school the kids for a year. My initial thoughts being "no, I don't want to get it wrong/confuse the children". The mum can't do it as she doesn't want to give up her work. They've offered to double my (already amazing) wage, but honesty its not a hugely deciding factor (as I'm sure if I mess up the kids I'd get fired)
Realistically what dues it involve? Never experienced this before Confused

OP posts:
Nigglenaggle · 12/06/2015 21:21

Someone will be along shortly to confirm or refute this, but unless you're also a qualified tutor, I don't think you're allowed to home school them, the parents must do it. Or am I wrong??

HirplesWithHaggis · 12/06/2015 21:28

www.educationotherwise.net/ There's also a homeschooling board on here somewhere.

You and your employers need to have a good look at this and other websites, speak to other hsers and agree what you expect to attain in that year. It's a big ask, though equally it could be a fantastic experience to add to your CV!

HirplesWithHaggis · 12/06/2015 21:30

Gah, you're already on the hs board! Blush Stupidly assumed it was in childcare.

LaurieFairyCake · 12/06/2015 21:30

Their infant school age?

Sounds fine. Bit of playing, bit of abc's, look up eyfs - how hard can it be?

Im only saying that because they're not old enough for school - you can create a nursery experience already - you just do that at home.

LaurieFairyCake · 12/06/2015 21:31

They're

Original poster
AMcoffeeLover · 12/06/2015 21:32

Reception and yr 2 ages. I really don't think I'm qualified to do it......

OP posts:
NOTDamaged · 12/06/2015 21:36

Is the pay similar to a governess role?

LaurieFairyCake · 12/06/2015 21:37

Year 2? So 6 years old? - hmm, I'd have to
have a really good look at the curriculum for that.

Theas18 · 12/06/2015 21:39

I believe parents retain responsibility for education as such so HE kids who go to a child minder are " minded" by day (but of course learn in every environment etc) and educated evenings and weekends.

But HE isn't formal sit down learning really anyway...

Why don't oarents engage a tutor say 4 mornings a week and allow you to " be the nanny" the rest of the time and do the stuff you do if it were school holidays - going to the library, making mud pies, playing games etc.

NOTDamaged · 12/06/2015 21:41

Also, bear in mind the type of school they will be going into. My DD started y1 in an independent school here. I expected it to be similar to state Y1. All of the other children were already writing in cursive, and various other things she was significantly behind on.

If you do agree with it, I would ask them to do a deal with the pre-prep school, whereby you can access their plans and resources.

Original poster
AMcoffeeLover · 12/06/2015 21:41

Not looked up their pay. My original wage is £35,000 a year. They've offered to double that for a year.
its tempting but Im sure if I get it wrong then I'll loose the role and my main reason for taking it was that it was long term (they want someone till the children leave for uni and i've just taken on a large mortgage). Think im better off looking into it and potentially saying no rather than having a go, getting it wrong and loosing a well paid, long term role.....

OP posts:
NOTDamaged · 12/06/2015 21:43

Excellent pay.
I would be frank with them - you are willing to give it a go and do your best, but tell them all your concerns.
From their POV, they could easily hire a p/t tutor and you for the same money and get more out of it.

Original poster
AMcoffeeLover · 12/06/2015 21:44

I'm hoping if I say no then they can get a tutor/send to state for a year. But didn't want to dismiss it (even though im certain I couldn't do it properly).

OP posts:
PrawnJalfrazi · 12/06/2015 21:44

To be honest at this age I don't think you need qualifications. Just some sense - you sound like you have this - you could do it! I never taught DS to read before he started school, because I didn't know how to. It's easy. Learn phonics. Give very basic books. Make them sound out the letters/words. Teach them numbers, play games. Learn times tables. Number bonds to 10 then 20. Easy addition and subtraction. Look at maps of England/World - learn where places are. If they are going to private school try and do some basic French - just learning words of things will be enough. Talk to them about festivals, other religions etc. The reception child will be easy... the Y2 child will need a bit more.

If the parents are happy to spend some money on books etc, and don't expect you to do loads of cleaning/house-keeping as well as teaching it could be a fun opportunity.

Branleuse · 12/06/2015 21:45

im sure you could find your feet and manage it. They know youre not a qualified teacher.

tbtc · 12/06/2015 21:46

Jesus!! What are they earning to be able to pay the Nanny £70,000!!!

NOTDamaged · 12/06/2015 21:46

Or, they could put them into a different school just for a year.. What part of the country are you in?

tbtc · 12/06/2015 21:47

Where has the yr2 child been educated before now?

WhatKatyDidnt · 12/06/2015 21:50

£70k?! Give it a whirl - great pay and good experience. If it feels like it isn't working out then tell them and they can hire a home tutor for the schooling bit.

Original poster
AMcoffeeLover · 12/06/2015 21:52

My biggest concern would be that in a year they'll be significantly behind their peers. if I do it then the oldest would only have 4 years before taking the 11+ in the hope to get into the best state in the area. Parents have already made clear that that's expected. Same for the youngest, but school would have longer to correct any mistakes I've made. What I do now could effect that happens later. Also oldest is already in private school (only reason for change is a move from current home almost 3hrs away) so how will I push them forwards when she's already such a high standard?
Homework help is one thing, taking over the role of educator is another Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
AMcoffeeLover · 12/06/2015 21:53

In Buckinghamshire

OP posts:
WhatKatyDidnt · 12/06/2015 21:56

It is slightly odd that people so concerned with their children's education should hand control to someone who is unqualified. You've obviously made a fantastic impression already!

Scissor · 12/06/2015 21:56

55 hours a week ...1265 hours per year is a teachers contract to educate..no clue on your holidays so will roughly assume 6 weeks to include bank holidays.
52 weeks minus 6 = 46
1265 /46 = 27.5 hrs per week = 5.5 hours a day. WOW!!..those kids are going to get an amazing deal..except for when do you plan lessons/sessions, get resources, check curriculum requirements, etc etc
I am concerned that a proportion of the other 22.5 hours will not be away from the kids to get this all prepared weekly as you will also be housekeeper.

I am certain you are capable of managing curriculum requirements with the appropriate knowledge of what they are ....as you are obviously educated to a high level. However..and this is where I am concerned... you obviously know that you are not an early years teacher and that the parents wishing to employ you are aiming for the competitive private sector. More clarity is required as to why they are not in the schools they wanted and why a year will make a difference?

SilasGreenback · 12/06/2015 21:58

I think you need to find out why the children haven't got into the school. Did they fail an entrance test and hope you can teach them to pass next time, which is a big ask if you are unsure what is expected, or are they genuinely waiting for a guaranteed place (seems very odd if they are).

If they have a place what are the expectations of them when they arrive and what are they doing currently.

I think you doing your job and then a tutor coming in the mornings might be better. You could still do some 'teaching' in the afternoon but the main planning wouldn't be on you.

saturnvista · 12/06/2015 22:00

I would definitely do it. Most of school at this age is play and you can do the formal learning part in a fraction of the time, ask any home educated parent. If you have any friends who are primary school teachers, that could also be invaluable. The parents clearly really want you and they're aware you're not ideally qualified so they should know it's not your fault if it doesn't work out. I would have that conversation beforehand but no reasonable person would sack you in these circumstances! Perhaps the parents could pay for a few hours tuition for you from a primary school teacher before it all starts, and possibly a monthly assessment with the same tutor for you and the children, just to check it's working out. And join a home education facebook group, you'll be amazed at how easy learning is when it's just one child at this level.