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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

or is the nursery?

161 replies

RegularHasNameChanged · 18/01/2011 17:50

Got a call today from my DD's nursery to say she had fallen asleep and could I come and get her as they hoped to take the other children out for a walk - whilst I didn't want to inconvenience the other children it was also quite inconvenient for me to cut short my plans to dash there.

It's a small and usually sweet nursery and not one that usually facilitates naps, but when I had asked before what would happen in this situation and if for example, she was tired and looking at a book in the reading corner and fell asleep would it be ok? I had been given the impression that yes, that would be ok.

She's not quite two, so still quite little, and had had a bad night's sleep, hence she fell asleep whilst reading a book with one of the nursery workers.

I asked them to try and wake her after ten minutes and then I would come if she wouldn't, and rang back 10 minutes later. They weren't keen on trying because she was "snoring and really asleep."

I got there ten minutes later to see her being woken by another child who simply stroked her cheek a couple of times, so felt a bit annoyed that this was all it took and that they still seemed keen for her to go home, despite me having to pay for the session.

Anyway (I'm getting there!) what really upset me is that she had been left lying face down on hard, and fairly cold floor. Sad
I feel that it's uncomfortable, unhygienic (she only recently recovered from croup too) and that she was vulnerable to being trodden on. If any child in my care fell asleep on the floor I would move them to a comfortable spot (she had a picket fence-enclosed beanbag area that was two feet behind her), or at the very least slipped a cushion under their face??

When I calmly asked this, I was shrugged off and told that they don't facilitate naps and that they "didn't know how long she would be there for". I asked how long it had been and the lady said half an hour!

I rang the manager (who was there at the time) this afternoon after checking with my DH that I wasn't being precious, he for once (!) said no and that I should clear it up). I asked her several times that if this situation ever arose again, would they put her somewhere safe and comfortable until I got there? She gave me a variety of evasive non-answers like "we don't facilitate naps", when children fall asleep during a session they need their mum" Confused, "the other children tried to wake her for ages and in the end we called them away", until the fourth time I asked and she just said "hmmm, yess, yess, anyway". I just felt flabbergasted and said see you next time.

I'm not sure if they're being wishy-washy or taking the piss!

I feel I've been uber-polite about it so far, even though I feel like flouncing but it's a small world round here,and I've been really trying to fit in to this new area and feel unsure of my next move. I like her carers but can't compute that they also think this is acceptable...

WWYD? I have to go out but will gratefully read your replies when I can throughout the evening.

OP posts:
GingaNinja · 19/01/2011 22:07

YANBU in any respect! Damn right report them to Ofsted. And find another/alternative childcare provider if at all possible ASAP. No excuses if the place only has 8 kids. FFS.

The creche DD attends has cot room for small babies/young toddlers (and just under 2 would come under that). If you go there for any reason between 1-3 in the afternoon you have a bugger of a job getting in cos they disconnect the doorbell as the kids (3.5yrs and under that are too big for cots) are all on little foldaway beds in the big room. I'd love to know how they get them all to kip when they're supposed to! Don't facilitate naps? Bollocks.

nannynick · 19/01/2011 22:14

it is highly unusual for a child to "fall asleep" in a stimulating environment

What a load bollocks. Children fall asleep at school (especially in reception class) - ok a school isn't that stimulating perhaps, but given the children are older they shouldn't need afternoon naps, yet some of them still do.

I've come to this thread a bit late... what I don't understand is why the nursery couldn't have just put your DD in a buggy and taken her on the walk. I guess it was because they didn't have a buggy. Maybe they will learn from this and get one - doesn't need to be new, can get perfectly acceptable buggies at car boot sales. If they don't have a buggy, or they have more sleeping children than they have buggies... then they change their plans about going for a walk.

So next step... if you feel the matter has not been resolved... formal complaint in writing (as then they have to respond to that, in writing and keep a record of it for the childcare inspector). If still dissatisfied after that, then formal complaint to the regulator (Ofsted in England). However the nursery won't like you very much, so it may result in you losing your child's place at the nursery. Though I'm not sure that is such a great loss if you feel they can't provide for your DD. Maybe it's time to have a look at other forms of childcare in your village.

Pixieonthemoor · 19/01/2011 22:15

Some one posted here that there is an ofsted rule about nurseries taking under twos being required by law to have a sleeping area. I would go to the website, get the exact wording and quote it to them. If they still prevaricate, report them to ofsted and remove your child. Its an utter disgrace.

dexifehatz · 19/01/2011 22:24

This is exactly the kind of reason that I never considered a nursery place for my 3 kids. How can you be sure that this hasn't happened before ?

nannynick · 19/01/2011 22:38

From EYFS Statutory Framework (May 2008) - link goes to a PDF

Towards the bottom of page 35 (page number as printed on the bottom of the document pages. PDF page: 036

Provision should be made (space or partitioned area) for children who wish to relax, play quietly or sleep, equipped with appropriate furniture. This may be converted from normal play space providing children can rest and/or sleep safely without disturbance. Each child should have their own bed linen, flannel, and hairbrush if they are used (these may be provided by parents or providers). Sleeping children should be frequently checked.
~~~ end quote ~~~
nannynick · 19/01/2011 22:44

Note: the bit I just quoted from the EYFS framework covers ALL children in the EYFS age group, so not just under 2's... but all those in early years.

It is not a specific legal requirement.. it is in a section which is "Statutory guidance to which providers should have regard". So the regulator WILL pick up on them failing to comply with the guidance and I would expect the regulator to give them an opportunity to comply (giving them an Action).

maxybrown · 19/01/2011 22:56

doesn't facilitate naps?? Confused or faciltate care by the sounds of it! Even at school if a child fell asleep we would provide a comfortable arrangement for them. Sounds blardy awful, poor thing.

trixymalixy · 19/01/2011 23:10

I think it's absolutely shocking that they left your DD sleeping on the floor. It is also absolutely ludicrous that they called you at work to come and get her because she was sleeping!!!!

I would have been absolutely livid and think you should definitely find somewhere else.

not1not2 · 20/01/2011 12:57

well done regular
we were right behind you all the time Grin

great that you have got them to agree to move the children

good luck with finding a new place

IAmReallyFabNow · 20/01/2011 16:47

Utter bollocks. I have known kids to have fallen asleep watching television and that is pretty stimulating, And what about the kids who fall asleep in their dinner?

Deciduousblonde · 20/01/2011 19:00

Basically if they cannot look after a sleeping child they shouldn't be operating a childcare facility, end of.

Well done for tackling the manager in such a calm manner :)

I for one wouldn't be taking any of my children there again.

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