Pearl

Safeguarding Concerns - wish I could rate minus

I was desperate for a nanny. Alison began nice, she always made sure the children were on time for school, however after a few months my children reported that she tried to push my son into her car after he had resisted to go home after school. She apologised to my son and I saying that it wasn’t a push but rather a ‘gentle nude’.A few months after she had an accident in her car with my children on board, instead of calling me straight away she proceeded to take my children to their after school club and then texted me! When I spoke to her about it she apologised again stating she was probably in shock, and didn’t think to call me straight away. Again, foolishly, I accepted her apology.

Gradually, I began to see changes in my son’s behaviour, he was becoming very confrontational with her whilst at home ( I have cctv in my home for the safety of my children),i couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew this was out of character for him. So, I began to reduce the time she spent with them.

It all came to a head at the beginning of this week, I politely queried an invoice and Alison became very angry, sent me a barrage of texts even whilst I was at work. I asked for us to speak face to face, but due to her and my commitments the only time that could be arranged was Saturday or Monday. Among the messages Alison declared that my children were ‘bickering’ in her car that morning. I spoke to my children about it, they honestly recounted the incident. I then asked about the response of Alison, they told me that she shouted at them, when I asked how many times this had happened, they stated that it’s only about 5 times she has NOT shouted at them, to the point they no longer wanted her to be their childminder, and /she only shouted at them in her car away from my cameras and from the public/witnesses. I was shocked, hurt, angry and sad for my children. I reiterated to them, no matter what they had done, no-one is allowed to shout at them. I’m sure every parent knows the effect of shouting at a child, it causes anxiety, fear, aggression; it’s psychological abuse. I’m currently seeking counselling for my children.

I DO NOT recommend this nanny,

• Overall
• Communication

by Pearl about Mrs P Ch (Nanny) on 12/12/2025

Response by Mrs P Ch on 13/12/2025:

1. pushing children, I would never do that, It was a gentle nudge, as he had a melt down outside the car.
2 the car accident wasn't my fault, and I thought I should get the children to their club first, in a calm manner.
3. I admit that I didn't deal with the last incident very well... I do apologize for that.
4. There was no contract been signed.

My Children Loved Going to Helen’s!!

We joined Helen’s about a year ago, and my children aged 3yrs at the time transitioned very well from a nursery setting, we had full day places, and then just school runs for about 6 months.

Helen keeps the children occupied with different activities, celebrates their birthdays and have regular outings.
She also takes time to converse with each parent.

So sad that she could no longer provide the school run to Bedgrove, her and Neil were excellent. I highly recommend them.

• Overall
• Setting
• Cleanliness
• Food
• Communication

by Pearl about Helen (Childminder) on 26/02/2022