Very short-lived and disappointing experience
Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. We hired her for regular part-time childcare and, after only two days of working with our family, she informed us that she had decided she could no longer continue because she could not balance the role with university and her other commitments.
Even if she seemed to be very kind and friendly with our son, what was particularly frustrating is that the hours and the part-time nature of the position were clearly discussed and known before she agreed to take the role, so there had been no change to what was expected of her.
In addition, only after she had started working with us did she mention that she would be unavailable for around 10 days shortly before half term. This had not been communicated when we discussed the position and agreed for her to start.
Of course, we completely understand that someone may reconsider a role or realise that it doesn’t work with their other commitments. However, given that this was a childcare position and a family is relying on that person, we would have expected some consideration of the impact on us — for example, offering a short notice period or some temporary flexibility while we found a replacement, rather than simply informing us that she would not be coming back.
Reliability, transparency about availability and reasonable communication are extremely important when arranging childcare. Unfortunately, after only two working days, we were left having to restart our search at very short notice.
Based on our experience, I would not recommend her for a family looking for consistent and dependable ongoing childcare.
Response from Isabel
Responded
Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry that you were disappointed, but I feel some important context is missing from this review.
I was initially given only around 5½ hours of work for the entire week, while also being expected to use my own car to collect your child, without payment towards fuel or travel expenses. The following week I was then told that I was not needed, so it became clear to me that the hours were not as regular or consistent as I had expected when accepting the position.
As a university student, I was looking for regular part-time work alongside my studies so that I could plan my commitments and earn some additional income. With the rota and hours changing from week to week, I realised very quickly that the arrangement was unfortunately not suitable for me.
I was honest as soon as I realised this. I genuinely believe it was more responsible to tell you after two working days rather than continue for several weeks or months and then leave when your family had become more dependent on me.
Even when I explained that I could no longer continue with the position, I tried to help rather than simply leave you without any options. I recommended my mum, who is a professional nanny/babysitter with over 8 years of experience and was interested in discussing the position with you. I did this because I genuinely wanted to help your family find a suitable alternative.
I was therefore very disappointed to receive such a negative review after only two days of working together. I enjoyed meeting your family and was always kind and respectful towards your children. I’m sorry the arrangement did not work out, but my decision was based on the lack of consistent hours and the practical costs involved, not a lack of care or reliability.