Very unhappy, stressed/ let down during postpartum
Unfortunately, I found my experience with this childcare provider very disappointing. I was recommended her and contacted her to discuss my childcare needs, including the specific days and times I required support. We discussed what she could offer, and she said she would meet with us to discuss everything further, so we waited for this.
She later told me she would not be available from September due to a holiday, but would be available from October, which we were happy with. This was particularly important as I am postpartum and due to return to university in October, so I was relying on having childcare arranged in advance.
After waiting and believing we were moving forward, I was then told at the last minute that she had decided to take on another family, as their requirements suited her flexibility better, and that she was only available to us for one morning. I completely understand that childcare providers may choose arrangements that work best for them, but I feel it is unfair to lead families on when you are still waiting to meet other families and decide which arrangement suits you best.
If she was considering other options, this should have been communicated honestly from the beginning, allowing us to continue looking for alternatives rather than waiting and believing we had something arranged.
Being left to find alternative childcare at short notice has caused unnecessary stress, particularly as I am postpartum and preparing to return to university. Overall, I feel we were let down and that the situation could have been handled with much better communication and consideration.
Response from Taytania
Responded
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed with how the situation ended, however, I do feel it is important to clarify the circumstances for anyone reading this review.
At the time of our conversations, we had not yet met in person, nor had we agreed or confirmed any specific days, hours or childcare arrangement. We were still at the stage of discussing whether we would be a suitable fit for one another.
As is common when looking for childcare, and particularly with nannying, it is a two-way process. Families will understandably speak to and meet with multiple nannies before deciding who is the right fit for their children and family. Equally, nannies will often meet with and speak to multiple families to find an arrangement that works for both parties. I see this very much like a job interview — neither side is committed to the position until both parties have had the opportunity to meet, discuss expectations and decide whether it is the right fit.
I have never felt it necessary to specifically explain to families that I may be speaking to or meeting other families, although if/when they ask I have always been transparent and honest about this.
As this is a normal and expected part of finding the right nanny/family match. Equally, I completely understand that families will be doing the same and considering their options before making a decision.
Unfortunately, another family subsequently offered me an employed role with arrangements and flexibility that suited my circumstances better, and I accepted it. This was not a decision made to deliberately leave you without childcare, but simply part of the process of finding the right working arrangement for myself.
I completely understand that this was disappointing, particularly given your childcare needs, and I am sorry that you were left feeling frustrated. However, I do feel that leaving a negative review regarding my “services” is unnecessary when no childcare services had actually been provided, we had not met, and no hours or arrangement had been agreed.
Furthermore I just wanted to mention, on the message another nanny shared on your behalf, they stated you were looking for childcare from October - this is why I enquired to align with other families/commitments.
I wish you and your family all the best in finding the right childcare arrangement.