To expect a better level of communication from nursery

[jaz2]

I'd be really grateful for honest answers...all this could just be because I'm a control freak who thinks she knows best, but doesn't.

DS is 10mo and has been at nursery PT since 8mo.

In general I am very happy with it, and he loves it. Even if I were to give up work I'd want him to keep going there.

BUT I am really struggling with the lack of communication I get from them. Whilst they tell us what he has eaten/drunk/pee'd/poo'd and slept each day - plus an activity he has done during the day, they don't seem to realise that parents (or maybe it's just me?) need to be kept informed of other things. For example, when sleeping facilities change or when they decide to cut out one of his naps / try to get him to change what he drinks from / or the way he eats.

I'd like to know in advance when these things are about to happen, so that I can say "no thank you" OR "great, so we'll use the same approach at home".

I'd like to have this feedback every month or so. Without it I feel like I am "losing" my son.

Also, if DS is loving standing up and walking holding onto someone, should we expect them to show/give him something he can pull himself up on or for someone to ocassionally give him practice in walking.

Maybe I am being unreasonable - my DH thinks I'm being too demanding.

Sorry for the ramble.

I don't think you're being unreasonable. You need more info than they fill out on their sheets. you need the personal touch. are any of them chatty and friendly? My sons nursery used to have a parents evening so you could chat to the staff and other parents.

maybe when they get to know you abit more they'll be more forthcoming. Or make an appointment with the team leader or something?

He should have a keyworker who you can talk to about him at any time.

Also they should not be making any decisions about changing his naps or routine wihtout consulting you first.

I would try and make an appointment to see the manager and outline your needs - if it is a private nursery they should be keen to accomodate you - if not I would seriously thnk about looking elsewhere, there are lots of good nurseries out there.

My dcs were at a big chain and then ds at a small family run nursery and the latter was definitley the best place - bigger chains have limited autonomy.

Thank you for your advice. I had made an appt to see his keyworker, but wanted MNers views, in advance of the meeting, as to whether I am being unreasonable - in which case I would moderate my expectations!

It is a large chain, but having said that, the staff are quite chatty and very welcoming. It's just that one feels bad taking up their time when they are trying to look after the other babies. And apparently other parents don't ask for appointments to discuss such things.

I think I'm neurotic about wanting the best for DS, but also guilt-ridden about not wanting to be a pain in the butt to people who clearly also want the best for DS - but just don't realise that there is an element of "parent care" that has to go hand-in-hand with child care! Then again, they get paid peanuts, so I mustn't expect too much.