Nursery ratio issues

[MooMooKerchu]

I am considering making a complaint to Ofsted re a number of things, but mostly incorrect ratios of staff to children. This is based on my observations at pickup time. I know I'm not the only one with these concerns. My DC still goes to this nursery so I'd like to limit the potential problems we might encounter if they know its me that reported but equally, I don't want Ofsted to think it's a malicious report.

Is there a way to complain via email do you know so it's not a report and run job, or can it only be done by phone?

Thanks in advancec

[BackforGood]

Surely if you are worried about safety, then getting that rectified is the important thing?

However, if you report by e-mail they will still have your name and contact details ~ not that OFSTED will pass them on, but I'm not sure why you think that is more secretive than a phone call.

[insancerre]

You can complain anonymously to Ofsted but you really should speak to the nursery first
If that doesn't iWork then write a letter of complaint to the nursery
You really should give them the opportunity to deal with your complaint them selves
If you are still not satisfied, then report to ofsted

Ratios do apply to the whole building not just to staff in each room so are you sure your complaint is justified?

[FineAsWeAre]

As a pp said, are you sure? It's staff on the premises, not in the room. Depending on staff qualifications, they may be able to have higher ratios too. You need to discuss your concerns with the manager. If you are still not happy you need to follow their complaints procedure and then Ofsted if it is still not resolved.

[eeny]

Just could me main to the nursery in writing and they will do it out. I had the same issue but once documented they need to address it. Ask for a written reply.

[HSMMaCM]

What ratios are you seeing?

[jannier]

As others have said unfortunately it applies to the whole building and also qualified teachers area allowed up to 13 3 year olds. But you are a paying customer and if you are not happy speak out if the ratio seems unsafe speak out.

[PeppaPigObsession]

Like people said are you sure there's a problem. From a quick google the ratios I've seen are: (staff:children)

Under 1's and 1-2 year olds - 1:3
2--3 year olds: 1:4
3 - 5 year olds: 1:8 or 1:13 if the staff has a teaching qualification.

Most Nurseries I know have more staff than they need to cover breaks or accidents. I know my daughters Nursery there's often 4/5 staff to 10-12 children at pickup time, and that's in the 1-2 and 2-3 rooms.

[Coloursthatweremyjoy]

It sounds as though you are worried about other issues as well. The nurseries I worked for operated on bare minimum staff, people being expensive you see.

Someone upthread mentioned "staff in the building" but I know of a setting that was put into special measures because when staff went out to prepare snack they were not "in the room" leaving the other staff members out of ratio.

I'd go with my gut but then I've seen some awful stuff go on.

[Leeah12]

You could talk to the manager about your concerns with ratio. You can say on a few occasions you have noticed this.
Now some staff could be qualified at EYP status meaning they can be on a 1:13 with children aged 3+.
Also unfortunately nurseries don't ever really have a spare member of staff and sometimes we need to go out of the room for certain tasks. So you need to take in to concideration that staff are still on the premises but not in the actual room.
The two nurseries I have worked in at some point I have been left completely on my own or understaffed. At times staff just go off or we have the pressure to clean and do other tasks.
Now you reporting the matter could actually help the staff that are struggling working under ratio. I will tell you now if someone had spoke up for me I would have appreciated it!! However this seems to be a common thing unfortunately! :(
Nursery nurses work so hard on little pay!
If unhappy with the nursery take a look at a few others. Spend time with the staff and see their routine.
Good luck! If you go through Ofsted it will be confential and an inspection will be done! X