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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to wonder why nursery is closed today?

36 replies

toobusyforthisscream · 21/01/2013 08:05

Just that really. We live in London, there is snow on the ground, but my DH has got into work with absolutely no problem. Some trains and tubes are delayed but both are running, as are the buses. Am I being unreasonable to wonder why nursery has had to close? Or might there be a justification I'm not aware of? Stress levels running slightly high!

OP posts:

escape · 21/01/2013 08:07

There are health & Safety requirements to being open regarding heat/access to hot water etc - so could be that? Or if enough staff can't legitimately get to work.
If none of the above, then it is unacceptable for such a business.

doublethelovedoublethekisses · 21/01/2013 08:07

Maybe there are staff members that can not get to work? I know this is the reason my DCs school is closed.

PeggyCarter · 21/01/2013 08:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

user12785 · 21/01/2013 08:10

Both my dc's schools are closed, despite roads being clear and the school next door being open. Apparently the "paths are slippy". I've had to take another day off work. We've even offered to go in and grit / clear the paths.

Original poster

toobusyforthisscream · 21/01/2013 08:12

No, all local schools open. I can see the nursery would need to close if staff can't get in, but I don't see why that would be the case. Buses running fine! As are most trains round here. I know I'm being grumpy, I'm just SO busy and can't quite see the justification for this.

OP posts:

Groovee · 21/01/2013 08:13

Could be a staff issue, it could be that there is no one to clear a clear path to nursery and grit it to make it safe for parents. The boiler may have broken down...

So many senario's as you'd be better asking the nursery directly.

escape · 21/01/2013 08:14

In Yorkshire, where we are, The schools really only close in emergencies Eglantyne - that is a really bad excuse!

Original poster

toobusyforthisscream · 21/01/2013 08:15

Yes, agreed Groovee. Except there is nobody AT nursery to answer the phone. The breakfast club which is in the same building is fine, open as normal, so no excuse related to boiler, paths, etc. Grrrr.

OP posts:

SilentSplendidSun · 21/01/2013 08:21

School closed here. We are in Herts and I couldnt understand why either. Maybe the paths are too slippery. Still...

People are being funny about the snow this year. Was looking at some photos taken last winter. The snow drift was upto at least a couple of feet on the wall and the street signs almost buried. But cant remember any of this hysteria.

ihearsounds · 21/01/2013 08:27

Could be because of problems with trains and tubes. Yes wheere you are its all fine, but not everything is running ok, unless of course all staff are within walking distance....

Original poster

toobusyforthisscream · 21/01/2013 08:29

According to TfL delays, but mostly Ok. DH and neighbour gone into the City absolutely no problem. I will speak to them as I need to know about tomorrow. I HAVE to go to work tomorrow so if they don't open looks like some form of emergency childcare is necessary. Ouch.

OP posts:

city1984 · 21/01/2013 08:46

I was just about to post same thing for school. Main roads are completely fine but apparently closed due to staff shortage due to weather. People have to get in in other jobs so why not teachers? No axe to grind btw as sahm. Incidently many of the staff live locally although I suppose some may not be able to get in if their children's school is close.

dixiechick1975 · 21/01/2013 08:47

They may close if more snow is forecast or travel disruption. Whilst you may feel fine to drop off if parents can't get back to pick up on time it could be a potentially dangerous situation.

city1984 · 21/01/2013 08:48

Although many local schools are open.

Mia4 · 21/01/2013 09:02

Does the nursery have an email you an leave a message at to ask for updates. Could be H&S, perhaps not enough staff can get in especially if driving? My parners also good to get into London by train but I can't get anywhere near my workplace by car because i can't get out of my ice rink road. Or their kids schools are all closed so the need to look after them? Just hope no one has had any accidents or anything.

They should have told you why though, how did they update you?

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 21/01/2013 09:16

We're also in London and school is closing early frankly, I'm expecting it to look like a scene from the day after tomorrow...because I can see no other reason why it should shut early unless we're literally going to get snowed in!

It's ridiculous!

ihearsounds · 21/01/2013 09:18

some of the delays are at least 45 minutes. My school isnt open because of heating problems. Found out not long ago, but collegues are currently stuck on trains, with what is supposed to be 45 minute delay. But tfl are just saying slight delays lol.
This is without staff off because of illness and their childrens schools closed. So, even if heating on, the decision based on lack of staff would have meant we are closed today.

Original poster

toobusyforthisscream · 21/01/2013 09:25

I just don't buy it. Every local school is open for miles round here so the idea that nursery staff can't get in because their kids are off can't be true. And if staff can get into schools, surely they can get in to nursery? I just don't believe that many people are snowed in to their roads (no evidence of that round here, where traffic is as normal). Hmmm, getting a bit annoyed. I better have a calming coffee.

OP posts:

Mia4 · 21/01/2013 09:31

toobusyforthisscream Do you know they are all local though? Some may be commuters, or it may be more simply that the people who may need to be there for H&S and insurance reasons can't get in so they've closed even if others could get in.

Have they got a website? Can you email them? If they are taking the piss then yes, it's annoying and totally out of order but calm down and wait until you've heard something. My mum's school went mad when there nurse didn't come in with no call or anything, the head left a really nasty voicemail, they later found out she'd had an accident while walking to work, been hit by a careening cyclist and broken her ribs and collarbone and had concussion.

The thing the nursery needs to do and should do so i'm surprised, is have a warning system in place for parents so they are kept aware and don't waste time coming in, or find alternate childcare. Does this nursery not have anything in place?

Bakingnovice · 21/01/2013 09:32

What is wrong with people. Here the schools ate closed, except the fee paying ones. Buses and trains running fine. Roads not great but it's ok to drive. Schools don't always appreciate the knock on effect of closures. My poor neighbour is in bits. She can't go to work because schools are closed, her boss is not happy, she's stressed. She had to miss work Friday for the same reason. Her eldest is missing an exam. It's just snow ffs. I know it's difficult for many but there are many who just cannot be bothered!

sweetestB · 21/01/2013 09:35

I'm in London too. Primary schools are closed around here and I think it is just beyond ridiculous. Last Friday they made us collect at 1pm when there was snow falling heavily and ghastly wind. At 3, there was snow on the ground but no wind or snowstorm. when I used to work in a private nursery, the manager would use any weather excuse to close early or not to open at all. And she wasn't ashamed to tell us she wanted time off and would use healthy and safety as excuse.

CajaDeLaMemoria · 21/01/2013 09:35

I'd bet anything its due to ofsted ratios.

lagerlout · 21/01/2013 09:37

I live on the outskirts of zone 6 and I'm at the top of a hill so snow always looks a lot worse than what it actually is when you go a couple of miles down the road into the town. We can only have about 6 inches in total. DS school made the decision to close today due to staff travelling in. In fairness his school is very good and rarely closes while those around it does but I don't understand why teachers can't travel in snow when the rest of us do. I'm currently on my way into central London and so far no problems. I know the tubes in town are delayed but I'll be getting my daily exercise with a 2.5 mile walk to avoid them. I see people on Facebook who work in education posting things like 'Yay, a snow day.' Last minute decisions like this cause havoc for working parents arranging childcare and when the reason is because staff can't get in but the rest of us can still find a way into work it does make you wonder why. Where would we be if the emergency services all ground to a halt with this excuse?

Iggly · 21/01/2013 09:39

The roads are awful (London too). If people have to drive and live off a main road they won't be able to get in.

I'm on a train in to work now and they're running but barely. I'll be leaving early today.

So just because it's easy for you, try thinking a bit beyond.

ghoulelocks · 21/01/2013 09:40

It's horrible being the one who has to call if a school/ nursery is closed or open in snow. Last year I closed a school and was pretty unpopular, main roads were clear. However the caretaker and I had been there the Sunday before and from 5.30am that morning trying to make the site safe but had to say it wasn't. There was ice everywhere, limited grit and huge areas to cover with steps, drops under snow and slopes. With such a large volume of people using the site, including hundreds of young children and vulnerable family members too we decided the chance of having an accident was unacceptably high. Being personally liable for any accidents does colour your judgement too!

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