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Worried about the nursery that I work in

57 replies

KeyLimePie98 · 24/09/2024 15:08

I started work as a practitioner a month ago but I’m starting to have concerns. First of all, staff are often out of ratio, meaning two staff to many children outside and it’s hard to be watching everyone all at once. The manager has apparently complained about the state of one of the rooms, the toddler room (I don’t work in this room) that toys are everywhere and it’s a mess. staff aren’t happy saying that the manager isn’t supportive. I’ve also noticed mould around the window sills. Staff stand chatting and children have accidents. I’ve been into other rooms to get something and children are often left to cry as apparently nothing will soothe them. Would you raise concerns and how?

OP posts:
comedycentral · 24/09/2024 16:17

I would report to local authority and copy OFSTED into your email [email protected]
Detail your concerns, tell them if you would prefer to stay anonymous, you have rights as a whistle-blower.
It is not typical of nursery settings.

PurpleChrayn · 24/09/2024 16:02

Ofsted.

Sweetcarolinedadada95 · 24/09/2024 15:24

Also, just to add. I made a report to CIW (equivalent to ofsted as I'm in Wales) with some concerns after leaving one nursery and nothing ever happened. By all means report any concerns to them but I wouldn't hold your breath that something will be done.

Sweetcarolinedadada95 · 24/09/2024 15:21

Welcome to the childcare sector 😅

I worked with kids for 10 years (nurseries, schools and as a nanny) and this is all very normal I'm afraid.

I worked in 3 different nurseries (mainly private which are worse imo) and they were all terrible, always over ratio, unqualified miserable staff who clearly didn't even like kids but needed a job. Owners only interested in making a profit. I was a supervisor in a baby room for just over a year and had 4-5 babies by myself on a regular basis. There's so many stories I could tell you. I wouldn't have sent my kids to any of them let's just put it that way.

Basically, you pay peanuts you get monkeys. I'm glad I changed careers a few years ago.

Sorry to put a downer on things but childcare really isn't for the faint hearted. It's a hard job with generally in shit conditions.

Pearlgemspark · 24/09/2024 15:15

What is the authority that you can report them to?

I know of a creche that just got reported by a staff member for failings, and for being dangerous to children, and I know that it was taken very seriously.

SherlockHolmess · 24/09/2024 15:13

I’m so sorry you are in this position. I’m afraid I don’t know the legalities/ins and outs, but are you able to make an anonymous referral to ofsted or the council?

I would be concerned about going to the manager as the staff say they are not supportive. On the other hand, if they are annoyed about the rooms being in a mess they may have high standards and the staff are just upset about being held to account?

Its so horrible little ones are being left to cry 😢

KeyLimePie98 · 24/09/2024 15:10

Also, manager often WFH so not around everyday

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