Nanny here. Yes, the employer should absolutely come at 4:55 if no detailed report expected, and 4:50 if there are things to discuss. Next, no nanny should arrive before her scheduled time unless agreed upon, it would be intrusion on family's private life. I always sit in the car if I happen to arrive early, not because I dont work "a minute unpaid" but because I respect my employer. Yet, I would not ask for half hour overtime in my first 2 weeks when everyone is adjusting/transitioning, but if my employer would repeatedly show up at 5 pm, yes, I would ask if extra time is needed every day. Some families dont realize that 9-5 really means 9:10-4:55 or so. Also, nannies, remember there will be days that you may run late, or cannot come due to various circs, or need a day off on short notice, so think about all that when trying to count every minute.

Anonymous wrote:You need to tell her that from now on, you will be returning at 4.50PM so there is time to do a catch up/tidy up. If that isn't possible, you need to either pay her overtime or work out a way in which she gets the time to clear up without it going past 5PM.
She should not be expected to go unpaid.

I agree with this. I get that nanny's offer a level of care/service above a daycare, but if my daycare closes at 5:00 and I want to talk to the teacher at all, I need to be there early. Similarly, if it opens at 8 am, I have to do the transition period after 8 am. It is a similar idea. Bathroom breaks or grabbing her purse should be on her time, but also I doubt that should be taking even 5 minutes (unless she is using the bathroom every single day, then... maybe). To the extent possible, tidying up should be done as she goes, and only the currently active toys should be still out at this time.

4:55 should be early enough, unless you have a kid related discussion you want to have.