A bit worried about our new nanny

[Suziloo]

I am new to employing a nanny, and wondered if I am being a bit paranoid! The nanny I have found is more of a babysitter really, she's not a professional nanny, she's an older lady in her 50's who's been a foster carer and worked with the elderly. I only need someone for after school for my 3 children age 6, 9 and 10. I've offered her the job, and she's accepted but she hasn't started work yet, will start in September. I found out this week that she's just damaged her lower spine which the NHS website says can take a few months up to a year to recover from. Should I look for someone else, or should I hope that she's recovered by then. I would be up the proverbial creek without a paddle if she can't do the job as I don't have family or friends who I can rely on on a regular basis. Not sure what to do!!!

What does she say about it? Do her doctors think she will be ok by then?

If she's not starting until September then I wouldn't panic too much yet, you will still have time to start looking for a potential replacement later.

Well, how much will it restrict her? I cant envisage any heavy lifting with kids the age yours are so as long as she can walk, cook a bit of tea for them and oversee their activities, then she should.be fine.

She says her doctors say she should rest, and is taking lots of painkillers. I know its 4 months away, but I really need her to be reliable. There shouldn't be any heavy lifting, but the kids have a full-on set of activities they like to go to, which she'll need to take them to, and I'm worried she won't manage. I can't do what I'm doing without childcare, and as its so few hours a week there aren't that many people about willing to do it, which is why I started looking now.