to think that nursery workers deserve more than a box of chocolates at christmas?

[choceyes]

From what I gather from Mumsnet, and other forums is that, most people only give a £5 box of chocs for nursery staff to share. And this is as recognition for their hard work for a full year.

i really don't get it. Especially when I read the thread about tippign the hairdresser. Say £5 a time, 4 times a year? That's £20. And that for the person who looks after your hair. Then why is it acceptable to spend a relative pittance when it comes to the people that look after your children?

Nursery staff are on a very low wage, not much more than minimum wage I believe. They do a hard job. most people must be happy with the care they give, otherwise they woulnd't be using the nursery. So why not "tip" them generously at christmas?

I will be spending about £50 on the keyworkers and other staff that look after my 2 (3yrs and 15 months).

AIBU?

I don't tip hairdressers by the way.

The people who employ nannies are probably not the same type/average affluence as the ones who use nurseries (some will be, but many people are completely stretched by nursery fees).

It is also about custom.

And a Christmas gift shouldn't be considered a tip - I think they are very different things.

Perhaps if you "tipped" the nursery staff less you could afford to tip your hairdresser.

£50 combined.

very happy with her care.

I've bought a nice present for ours, fortunate to be able to afford to, but your post makes me - a lot of people aren't making much once they've paid the nursery fees.
With all gifts, it's meant to be the thought that counts. Have you forgotten?
Incidentally, I wouldn't see working in a nursery as a hard job. I am sure they are dedicated professionals but it's not nursing, caring for the seriously ill or psychologically disturbed, or even cleaning hospitals is it?
PS I don't tip my hairdresser. From the price of my cut & colour I reckon she's making a good salary as it is!

Also nannies are employees of the parents, so paying bonuses is down to them. I have no idea if our nursery pays staff bonuses, but they are the employees, not me. If I give something to the staff it is a gift, not a bonus.

See, my hairedresser is self employed. My After School Club is a company. Its uptothe directors of that company to reward their staff.

Do you pop into your local bank and give the regular teller a box of chocs? Or your pharmacist? or your baker?

Breatheslowly - I don't think hairdresers deserve a tip. Thats why I don't tip them.

DDs nursery is fab. She has made 3 items for her keyworker, buddy and the worker she adores she never stops talking about her (DD has limited speech so this is very telling).

The rest of the staff in her room are getting a tub of chocolates because I personally never see them at drop off & pick up!

Maybe people who employ nannies are able to employ them because the have more disposable income?

choc your ignorance is astounding!

Surely, its about what you think is acceptable and what you are able to give (dependent on your circumstances). Giving something should be a choice, it should not be mandatory.

It's not that I can afford to spend £50 on them. I jusr feel like they deserve a bit more than chocs when they have been so good with looking after my DCs. Maybe it's my nursery then, the staff I've had for my DCs have been great and gone beyond what I'd expect them to do to look after my DCs.

allhora - you have obviously not worked in many nurseries then. It is hard working in mine we have to teach the children how to talk, eat, behave etc. Social services are always there constantly. You constantly hve to do speech therapy exercises as a lot cant talk, have never had any discipline or have not been potty trained even at just near school age. Nursery work is the hardest job I have ever done and I am ex military and having done other jobs in care/service industries.

Still dont need tipping though, but hate people thinking its easy!

Well in that case you should appreciate that everyone makes their own choice about who to tip or give gifts to based on their experiences and personal circumstances.

buy a nice toy for the nursey, maybe something like finger paints

Oh you're one of those people who confuse having an opinion, and the knowledge and capacity to grasp that others don't share that opinion but remain equally valid, with being Absolutely Right And Everyone Who Disagrees Is WRONG.

Don't most people think about certain things like that?

Choceyes - if you can't afford to spend £50 on them then don't. There are other ways to show your appreciation which can be just as effective.

spending £50 won't mean we go hungry. I don't if that means we can afford it or not.

When my DS was in nursery I brought in a box of chocolates for the staff to share. However, when I walked past the manager's office I saw about 30 of these boxed piled up high in the corner. They could have opened a sweet shop!

The next year we gave DS's key worker £10, which I think was a more useful gesture.

Round of applause everyone for choeyes' cheque book

I spent £3.25 on a present for DD's nursery staff. I got a pack of (used, in the charity shop I work in, but perfect condition) fairy tale glove puppets.

I was a parent helper on the session they all got their gifts, and I can honestly say they were more excited about the puppets than all the mugs/chocolates that were spread all over the table.

To me that speaks volumes about the staff... They were so ecstatic to have something new for the children :)

I have a DP, DD, 10 nephews and nieces, 3 God children, 10 family members, plus children of close friends who I can't afford to buy gifts for. I wouldn't like to add another to my list thanks.