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Original poster

Nursery renting out space to public

70 replies

Hocuspoc · 07/11/2024 23:25

The nursery out little one attends recently started renting out space to public (different types of classes, most are babies related but not exclusively).
The reason why I find this uncomfortable is that they do it during their working hours !! - while the little ones are there.
The room they rent out is not separate to the area where the nursery operates - quite the opposite - it is just next to the rooms where the kids are.
It is also the same room where the little ones spend time for some part od the day (obviously not at the same time as the classes to the public).

Am I being unreasonable here? This just doesn't sit well with me. Do other nurseries do this?
I feel a nursery should primarily be a safe space for children attending and I don't know about letting people off the streets in - even if they are pre-registered..
Even minor things like a possibility of them leaving things behind (e.g. allergy wise food bits, or choking hazards)...

OP posts:
Godoit · 08/11/2024 10:06

Parents collecting children are also people off the streets. As long as all the correct checks are in place, then I'm not sure I see the issue. Who are they renting their space to? Are you saying there's no lock on the door where your child is? People can freely walk in?

VegTrug · 08/11/2024 00:47

Hellllllllll no! Prime target for peados to rent the space for some pseudo reason just to….look. Ew

NannyR · 08/11/2024 00:46

If the rooms are not locked and children (and visiting adults) can go in and out of the rooms and hallway without staff noticing then this should probably be reported as a concern to OFSTED immediately.

Original poster
Hocuspoc · 08/11/2024 00:25

potatocakesinprogress · 08/11/2024 00:06

Wouldn't bother me unless it was in the US, in which case hell no.

Why? I assume gun culture? Some people carry knives around here so there is that too.

For other comments - no, rooms are not locked, the hallway os common and the kids are using it during the day...so really not great setup :(

OP posts:
NewName24 · 08/11/2024 00:24

MartinCrieffsLemon · 07/11/2024 23:42

There will be a Risk Assessment in place which will detail which areas are "public", what areas are "private" and what measures are in place. Things like toilets being separated etc.

Rooms will be checked before they let children in after a group

Some nursery classes run in community halls and centres which are shared spaces.

This

Original poster
Hocuspoc · 08/11/2024 00:23

Janedoe82 · 07/11/2024 23:43

Why is it not ok? There are play groups running in various halls across the UK with the same set up.
There are regulations in place. Children are most at risk from a parent or relative.

Show quote history

What's your point - let's keep children away from parents and relatives? How is this statistics of yours relevant to a nursery setting?
You think they should let a child leave with a stranger and not thier parent at the end of the day perhaps because 'childern are at most risk from a parent' ?!
Really what is the point you were trying to make?

OP posts:
potatocakesinprogress · 08/11/2024 00:06

Wouldn't bother me unless it was in the US, in which case hell no.

AuntieKraker · 07/11/2024 23:51

I think it’s more common than I appreciated. In my local parenting WhatsApp groups, I’ve seen quite a few flyers for classes at a nursery. I didn’t think it was a thing either.

crumblingschools · 07/11/2024 23:45

Ask to see the risk assessment

Craftymam · 07/11/2024 23:45

Our nursery is like Fort Knox and it’s reassuring. I wouldn’t be happy with that set up you describe.

BarbaraHoward · 07/11/2024 23:44

Speak to the nursery and I'm sure they'll put your mind at ease. I'm sure the rooms don't interact with each other.

Do they go on outings? Ours go to the beach or the playground or maybe walk around the town every day so obviously they see plenty of strangers during nursery hours in much less controlled conditions than what you're describing here.

It's quite a clever idea really, as others have said nurseries are really struggling ATM. It's a very low risk group that fits in with the ethos of the building and will help them drum up future business too.

Janedoe82 · 07/11/2024 23:43

Hocuspoc · 07/11/2024 23:41

Yes that was my thought too, they need money...but still not ok

Why is it not ok? There are play groups running in various halls across the UK with the same set up.
There are regulations in place. Children are most at risk from a parent or relative.

Lavender14 · 07/11/2024 23:42

The security is the worry for me as well. I'd want to know someone couldn't just walk into the same room as the kids. Or if they would be in the building as the children are moving between rooms etc.

MartinCrieffsLemon · 07/11/2024 23:42

There will be a Risk Assessment in place which will detail which areas are "public", what areas are "private" and what measures are in place. Things like toilets being separated etc.

Rooms will be checked before they let children in after a group

Some nursery classes run in community halls and centres which are shared spaces.

Original poster
Hocuspoc · 07/11/2024 23:41

Yes that was my thought too, they need money...but still not ok

OP posts:
NannyR · 07/11/2024 23:40

I'm certain that there are measures in place so that nursery children can't just wander from their classroom into a public class, so I can't really see a problem. It's not really any different to a preschool operating in a community centre. Sadly, nurseries need to do things like this to keep afloat, the alternative would be increasing your fees.

Motomum23 · 07/11/2024 23:38

I'd be wanting to know how they prevent people from accessing the nursery from this rented space. As in - is the nursery room door locked to prevent acces? If not how do they propose to keep 'unsavoury' people away from kids in their care. It is a relevant part of their funding agreement with the local authority and part of the safeguarding legislation in the eyfs.
Ask them and I'm sure they will provide you with a risk assessment.

ChimneySweepLiverpool · 07/11/2024 23:34

Unfortunately nurseries are struggling so much to keep going at the moment financially. I understand your concerns but it must be a hassle for the nursery so they probably have no other choice

You could speak to the staff to get reassurance that the kids don't mix with the room renters

Suzuki70 · 07/11/2024 23:32

If the government had funded the "funded" hours properly then nurseries wouldn't have to be doing stuff like this to survive. The one my DS used to attend has closed after 30 years.

Janedoe82 · 07/11/2024 23:29

They will do a risk assessment and check for hazards after they leave the room.