Nanny Issue - ignore or take a stand?

[Earlybird]

I have an absolutely wonderful nanny who is adored by dd and me. She lives out, has been with us since June, and works approx 30 hours per week. Normally she picks dd up from nursery at noon, but when there is no school, she starts her work day with us at 10 AM.

Two weeks ago I asked her to arrive at 9 this morning, and she agreed and made a note in her diary. Clearly she forgot all about it (and I didn't remind her), and arrived this morning at 10. Her late arrival meant that I missed an appointment that requires a 24 hour cancellation notice. As I cancelled the appointment at the last minute (when I realised nanny must have forgotten), I will be assessed the full charge for the appointment - which is £80. Should I just pay the fee, and chalk it up as "one of those things", or should there be a different approach?

By the way, nanny is usually very dependable and punctual. She was most apologetic when she realised her mistake - which I know was genuine.

As this is her first 'offence' as such and you really like her I would leave it for now. IF she does it again I would perhaps be a bit firmer. Perhaps next time give her an extra reminder the day before.

You realise that it was a mistake and everyone makes mistakes. I'm sure she feels bad and will probably be extra careful next time.

I agree with joanneg. For such an important appointment I would probably have reminded her. You originally asked her two weeks ago which is quite a while ago.

If it's the first time that it's happened and you value her so very much I would pay up and leave it at that. Should it happen again I might do something different though.....
(we're putty in the hands of good childcarers aren't we?!)

I actually can't believe you are asking this, she sounds great and you could jeopardise a great relationship which is beneficial to your child.

would cost you a lot more to replaced her than £80 if you went through an agency..plus all the emotional trauma. she sounds nice & as you say her mistake was genuine

I think TBH that the responsibility was your's to have reminded her of the earlier than usual start when you last saw her.

Well, my initial reaction was to simply pay the cancellation charge. Glad to see that you all agree with me. And you're right, I should have reminded her of something that was outside our normal routine. Would hate to do anything to jeopardise the relationship, because she IS wonderful. Thanks for the advice.

It's just occured to me that some of you may have jumped to the conclusion that I'm asking if this is a sackable offense! Absolutely not in my book! Nanny is wonderful, and being late was a mistake, I know. I'm not that punitive or harsh! I was simply wondering if I should address it in some sort of way, and if so, how. Thanks for your advice.

She knows it happened, she's apologised. I can't see any other way of addressing it, other than asking her to pay the money which would be completely out of order. If this were becoming a habit it would be a different matter.

I wondered, did you mean, find a way of letting her know that you incurred a hefty financial penalty because of the misunderstanding...but agree with you and everyone else that she sounds otherwise great, a reminder might have been a good idea with hindsight, and you have not let it sour what sounds like a good working relationship.