Nursery learning journal not filled in

[FunnyBird]

Hello
We've just collected our DD(3) and her learning journal from a nursery for the last time. I've been feeling uneasy about the care she's received there since a member of staff made up the report of what she'd done all day when I collected her (DD only attends afternoons, staff member said "she's eaten all her breakfast, we played outside this morning" etc.). Various other niggles as well. So we made the decision to move her to a new place. Yesterday afternoon was her last day.
I've flicked through the learning journal. She's been attending since last August. There are 6 entries in the observation diary up to 25th Sep last, and then nothing until one entry from the rather unspecific Spring entry, and that's it. And I discovered on her last day that the woman I thought was her key worker has been working in a different room since January.
So, in some ways, I'm feeling great that we're moving her. In other ways I'm feeling guilty that they have been ignoring her for the last 6 months and I didn't realise.
I know it's difficult to make lots of observations when she's only there two afternoons, but she was at a different nursery previously (we've moved) and they managed to fill loads of stuff in.
Is this worth making a fuss about? Should I complain? Even report to Ofsted? Or is it water under the bridge now we're sending her elsewhere after Easter? Sorry for long ramble.
Thanks

[Radiator1234]

My nursery is the same... They never even communicate with me sbout what she had for lunch unless i ask, let alone fill in a learning journal. I'm interested to hear what people think.

[MaryPoppinsBag]

Don't make a fuss it isn't necessary just ask somebody.
Or ask a member of staff what she has been doing when you get there.

My son went to a pre school and occasionally got a sheet sent home with what he had done. Or a verbal exchange.

He now goes to a school nursery and is one of 20+. So there's no chance if a daily diary.

Also they aren't a legal requirement so Ofsted wouldn't really be interested.

Personally I would rather staff were interacting with my child than filling in 20+ pieces of paper which mainly say the same thing!

[FunnyBird]

Thanks for your comments.
I shall not make a fuss then.
Of course I would rather they spent their time caring for and interacting with the kids then doing paperwork, but I haven't seen much evidence of that either. Anyway, she's not there any more, and I can hope the new place looks after her and her little brother better when I go back to work in a month.

[Lilyloo]

I would be really concerned about the level of care my child was receiving if I was faced with an empty learning journal from September. How are they planning for your dc, where are their next steps in learning? It is perfectly possible to adequately spend time 'playing and caring for your child and to complete their learning journal.
I think you have made the right decision moving your child, I personally would follow this up tbh.

[FunnyBird]

Thanks Lilyloo.
I think we've made the right choice moving her. I was having second thoughts, because she was having fun with some of her friends there and it means more change for her. But this empty journal has helped me feel better about that decision, if bad about not doing it earlier. As I said, there were a number of niggly things, and I couldn't put my finger on it, but we were uneasy with her being there.
I think they would have had more time for their paperwork if they were better organised. Forms and ticklists can save a lot of time and keep people informed.
We were planning to write feedback email to help them understand our decision. This wasn't part of the decision making evidence, but I think we should mention it anyway.

[TiggyD]

I work in a lot of nurseries where the learning journeys come before the children. Some are works of art with photos, pictures, quotes etc.

" How are they planning for your dc, where are their next steps in learning?" Your child's key worker should have excellent knowledge of your child, what stage they're at and the next step carried around with them in their head. Something needs to be written down in case the key worker leaves or is ill, but every minute spent writing about the child is a minute spent not working with the child.

Communication is often a problem in nurseries, but it is a very important thing to do. If staff cannot communicate well they're crap staff. Nurseries are full of crap staff because nurseries can't get good staff because of low pay, conditions etc.

The nursery doesn't sound very good.