How to address issues with my nanny

[Huxter]

Hi

I was hoping for some advice on the above.

We are not happy with our nanny's performance for a number of reasons, but nothing that is serious enough to warrant the disciplinary procedures set out in her contract. We have a list of quite fundamental issues that need addressing, which if we thought she was otherwise the right fit for the family, we might seek to sit down and discuss with her. On the couple of occasions we have broached small issues with her, she has been very defensive so I am not sure how well such a conversation would pan out in any event.

My question therefore is, has anybody else found themselves in this position and how did you deal with it? Are there any employment law considerations if we did decide to terminate her employment? All advice and suggestions gratefully received. We are very sad to be in this position, particularly for our children, but feel strongly enough that it is not working out to do something about it sooner rather than later.

[Fuschia]

How long has she been with you? Do you think she also feels it's not working out, or would it come as a surprise?

[Vickster]

What does the contract say?

[shelby]

I have pm you.

[Huxter]

Thanks for all the PMs

She has been with us for six months. While we have raised a couple of things with her during this time, I think the depth of our issues now may come as a surprise.

Contract is silent on this, only deals with disciplinary procedures e.g. First warning etc.

[Fuschia]

If she has been working for you did just 6 months, she wouldn't be able to claim

Unfair dismissal.

If you really want to let her go, then I suggest you make her an offer ... You probably can't expect her to happily work her notice. In fairness, you should probably pay her for outstanding leave and for her notice period, and possibly a bit more. It might help to agree a reference with her, too.

It should be possible to deal with this in a fair and reasonable way, but if she really has no idea you are so unhappy, it is sure to be a bit of a shock.

[Fuschia]

6 months is the usual probationary period in many jobs. You could start off by sitting down to discuss from both sides how you and she feels it is going.

[marypoppins]

Hi huxter, I'm a nanny,I'm sorry to see your Nanny isn't performing 100%,if my employer had issues with me I'd hope instead of letting them issues build up she'd approach me with them face to face, if like you say your nanny is defensive (which is gonna be tricky, but the Nanny has to remember that she cares for your WORLD, an if your not happy things need addressing an she should respect that) maybe you could call a 6mth review an ask the Nanny how she thinks things are going, then you tell her how you feel things are going!! Im lucky I've only had problems with one family I've worked for an I called a meeting, but I asked for it out of the family home as it was more informal an I felt it was unfair to call a meeting with the children home! If I was your nanny an you wasn't happy with my performance id hope you'd simply tell me straight!!

Good Luck x

[VanessaPMR]

I feel for you, I had horrible experiences with my first two Nannies. That was two years ago now, and I still get angry when I think of the shoddy service and zero professionalism we got... plus you do get caught in an emotional bind given the relationships formed with your children..

Ugh, anyhow, my main point is we now have the most wonderful person who is trustworthy, dependable (I work so being able to count on them turning up for work was a big crunch factor) and incredibly kind. I now realise that there is no point trying to make do with someone who isn't up to the job. Good luck.