thanks folks! a trial period of say a couple of months sounds good, gives us both a get out clause should we need it. did'nt know about the 2 yr rule, will have to look into that. probably more applicable for a weekday part timer than a sat girl, i imagine sat girls would move on after about 2 yrs, what with college & uni & what have you.

tulips i have the same problem with the mums- i think its me not them, it feels weird ordering my mum about - not that my sons have a problem with ordering me about tho! any way left mil on her own today as sunday boy was competing, [he's a swimmer] & she did very well so i don't think i'll fire her yet