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Find nursery advice from other Mumsnetters on our Nursery forum.

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Find nursery advice from other Mumsnetters on our Nursery forum.

Nurseries

DD left outside in the rain...

31 replies

Wineafterseven · 29/01/2014 23:18

My DD is 3 and goes to nursery full time. Yesterday evening she told me she had been left outside at nursery. She said she had started to cry and a lady found her. When I had collected her that day I was told she had fallen in a puddle-her coat was soaking wet! Nobody mentioned that she had been left outside. When I dropped her off this morning one of the nursery nurses enquired as to wether I had been informed about my dd being left outside and that a parent had noticed my dd crying in the rain! My dh was asking the manager about this as I was about to leave who said my dd was just stuck behind the door. On my return t collect her I asked her key worker about the incident who said she could honestly tell me my dd was not outside just in a corridor where the door had closed on her. I then informed her a parent had told me my dd was outside. I have a meeting with the manager in the morning. I am so upset and angry that my dds saftey is at risk. I am dreading sending her in tomorrow. I don't know where I should go from here...

OP posts:

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McPheezingMyButtOff · 29/01/2014 23:20

How was she not noticed as missing?

My alarm bells are ringing I'm afraid.

dietstartsmonday · 29/01/2014 23:21

I don't think I would send her until I got to the bottom of it tbh

HenriettaPie · 29/01/2014 23:21

This does not sound good- sounds like they were out playing and all went inside and they didn't notice your dd wasn't with them

Wineafterseven · 29/01/2014 23:22

I know, apparently on 4 children were outside so how would you miss her!?

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MrsCakesPremonition · 29/01/2014 23:23

Don't make any decisions until you've spoken to the nursery. Ask them to physically walk you through what happened, how your DD got left behind, where she was and how long before they noticed.

Then, if you don't like the answers, you can think about what needs to happen next.

Wineafterseven · 29/01/2014 23:23

*only

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HeartsTrumpDiamonds · 29/01/2014 23:25

Outside as in outside the main door of the nursery, on the pavement with cars and general public passing by, or outside in the secure play area of the nursery grounds?

My reaction would depend on the answer.

(A) Apeshit crazy
(B) Bit more relaxed, she won't melt, etc.

Goldmandra · 29/01/2014 23:25

It sounds like someone has messed up badly and, instead of coming clean, they have tried to cover it up.

I would be just as concerned about the dishonesty as about them making that mistake in the first place.

A reputable setting would have called you in, explained what had happened, apologised, explained how they were going to investigate the matter and how they were going to keep you informed of the results of the investigation then contacted Ofsted to inform them.

dietstartsmonday · 29/01/2014 23:26

exactly they appear to be covering it up. my trust in them would b broken

Wineafterseven · 29/01/2014 23:32

It was outside in the play area HeartsTrumpDiamonds but I still feel its unacceptable. Her coat was soaking and I wonder how long she'd have been left if the parent hadn't spotted her. Goldmandra the dishonesty is a big concern, my trust has been broken now.

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Goldmandra · 29/01/2014 23:39

my trust has been broken now.

I would feel the same and I work in Early Years settings.

If they don't tell Ofsted you should consider telling them yourself.

We all make mistakes but that is not a professional response. In order for children to be kept safe in that setting the has to be a culture of openness, honesty and reflection when mistakes are made.

McPheezingMyButtOff · 29/01/2014 23:39

Is there anyone you can call on to look after Dd, whilst you get to the bottom of it?

Sorry, but I'd find it impossible to return my daughter to this setting without answers.

insancerre · 30/01/2014 07:40

Ask them for a copy of their complaints proceedure. They have to have one by law, and they have to make it available to you.
Tell them you are keeping your dd off till they have responded to your complaint. Tell them in writing and say that you are not confident in their ability to safeguard her well-being.
Ask for a meeting as a matter of urgency so they can explain exactly what happened.
If you are still not happy with the response, withdraw your dd and complain to ofsted. The nursery will give you the details of how to complain to ofsted, as it is a legal requirement for them to do so.

Goldmandra · 30/01/2014 16:45

How did your meeting go, Wine?

Littlefish · 30/01/2014 19:10

Our children's coats are often soaking because we play outside in all weathers. However, I agree that you need to find out exactly what happened and ask to be shown the place where she was left.

Ra88 · 30/01/2014 19:24

I would not be sending her in until after having a meeting

wadi1983 · 30/01/2014 20:05

have the meeting.

The nursery should be honest with you, there clearly not, so.they are.covering something up, which.makes.things worse, and is.not professional at all.

Talk to nursery and make notes, have they got a head office you can.talk.to?

Wineafterseven · 30/01/2014 20:57

Thank you for all your responses. We had the meeting this morning when the manager advised that she had been misinformed about what had happened. The key worker who was responsible for my DD has been disciplined, head office were called in and the LA informed. My DH and I feel positive about their response to the situation. Apparently the key worker said she was going to tell me but was too scared...hmmm, not sure I believe that. She said she wanted to meet with us to apologise but I said maybe when this settles.

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Panzee · 30/01/2014 21:09

Yikes! Your poor little girl. Glad they are taking it seriously. How is your daughter?

Wineafterseven · 30/01/2014 22:12

She has been ok Panzee although this morning she was in the lounge with my dh and he went out to go in the kitchen and she got upset and asked ' who is looking after me?" She is a sensitive soul at the best of times.

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Goldmandra · 30/01/2014 22:33

That's better. It sounds like someone did some homework last night!

Make sure they have recorded this as a formal complaint. This will mean that they have to inform Ofsted about it before or during their next inspection and account for how they have reviewed their procedures in response to it.

Wineafterseven · 31/01/2014 21:01

Thank you so much for all of your advice. I will do that Goldmandra, thank you for your responses they have been really helpful. My dd left nursery very happy today and ultimately that's all I want.

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littleredsquirrel · 01/02/2014 15:52

Sue them

littleredsquirrel · 01/02/2014 15:53

Or I will. How long was she out there for?

Goldmandra · 01/02/2014 16:12

My dd left nursery very happy today and ultimately that's all I want.

That's good to hear.

I imagine they will be very careful to make sure she's OK for a while so this incident should fade quite quickly for her. As long as you feel this was a one-off that they have learned from, there is no problem leaving her in their care.

We all make mistakes. What's important is that we are honest when we do and use them as learning opportunities

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