So, some of you might remember some time ago (Jun-Dec 2011) I had rather a difficult time with a nanny I'd hired. See here for the back story, if you really want to know.

To summarize, she wasn't great. As a nanny. Didn't really nanny my children, she basically kept them fed, changed nappies and "supervised" but that's it. She also did some silly things like using my home phone to make personal calls during the time she was supposed to be looking after my kids, left my DD (2.5 at the time) unsupervised long enough to fill the sink and flood the bathroom and then used one of DD's dresses to clean it up, without telling me... She was young, inexperienced and I think over her head. We parted amicably enough but I did tell her that her services were no longer required.

Fast forward to now...

On Friday afternoon I missed a call from a mobile number I didn't know. Checked the voicemail, it's a reference check, for said nanny. I put it out of my mind as I was at a conference for the weekend. But she's just called again. I screened it as I was supervising painting and didn't want to deal with the phone as well. She's left another voicemail.

I have no idea what to say. She is a nice enough girl and we would still use her for babysitting, of the type turn up, make sure the kids are asleep and sit and watch TV. But how do I give a reference without saying how disappointed I was with her as a nanny, and downright angry at some of the things she did?