Quit new job after 1 day?

[Aussiegirl123456]

I started a new job today in childcare. It’s only part time and they he space for my child at the centre too. Was supposed to be a new career change for me, more family friendly hours etc.

I was so excited.

I dropped my child off to her room this morning and child went in fine. Had induction and it started off okay, but as the morning went on, red flags kept popping up. How they advertise their service to parents is very different to how things are actually run.

The staff I worked with were mean to the children, lots of shaming, little threats (eg if you don’t sleep your mummy and daddy won’t pick you up). Loads of hitting among the children which goes unreported and parents not told about it.

To top it off, I find out at the end of my shift that my child has cried (big inconsolable cries) the entire time. Child hates it. I’m not sure I can work there, the shouty educators are awful to be around and the toxic culture became apparent almost immediately. No one had anything nice to say about anyone.

Would it be so unreasonable to hand my notice in now and withdraw my child. I’d rather do it before they waste time training me up (though today they inducted me for an hour and then let me just get on with things). The managers seem lovely and I feel like I’m letting them down, but if we stay, I feel I am letting my child down, and my child is more important. Please help! There’s no point giving it time, I know already it’s a bad fit. What can I say?

I am rambling I know.
I don’t need to work, fortunately. I just hate letting people down and seeming so unprofessional. I never want to go back and my child never wants to go back.

No of course not.

what can you say? 'This is a toxic work environment and I don't want me or my child anywhere near here'.

Just leave, sounds awful.

You're not obliged to give a reason. Just say 'it's not for me'. They may raise an eyebrow at your child being taken out too, but that's their problem.

I think the toxic culture is enough for you to leave. Saying to an infant your parents won't pick you up is psychological abuse. Children believe what adults say. That is really upsetting. If you are worried about messing them around, it's better to do a clean cut now, than quitting in 3 weeks, or 3 months. It sounds horrid.

Better to get it over with. Send an email to make it formal. Call to say I'm really sorry for the inconvenience but its not for me. Best of luck filling the role etc. I wish I'd have been as decisive about a few roles in my time, those jobs never got any better.

@SleeplessInEngland

You're not obliged to give a reason. Just say 'it's not for me'. They may raise an eyebrow at your child being taken out too, but that's their problem.

Just do this. 💐💐

Thank you all for your responses.
There are a couple of lovely people there but the majority of them are horrible.

I agree that saying that to a child is psychological abuse and I told the educator saying that to the child that isn’t appropriate but she brushed it off and said I was overreacting and you have to speak to them like that otherwise they don’t listen.

I was all set to quit but thought I’d speak to my husband first. He was just blasé about it and said “let’s hope tomorrow is better” so that made me think I could be over reacting. I just feel so sorry for the precious little ones there. It’s awful for them. I can’t let my little one go there, it goes beyond every instinct.

Thanks millions for the reassurance:-)

Gut instincts are always right. It's one thing working there, but your kid is there too which must be a scary prospect. Taking your child out too might make them realise.

I don't think your husband is wrong for saying "try again tomorrow" as on 1st days, we are always more Alive to things. Go again, if only to confirm your thoughts.

I'm very sorry it hasn't worked out. I know what it's like trying to find a job that matches up with childcare so you have my full sympathy

I would also report this to the CQC since this place looks like a toxic environment for both children and workers. If treating children like this is accepted then I am doubtful that they are following risk assessments and safeguarding either.

I think if your child loved it you might have to consider putting up with it but as neither of you are just leave

It sounds an awful, get some evidence written down and report or whistleblow to your local council AND Ofsted.

That’s not normal AT ALL.

Find a better setting.

This is awful. Yes of course you should leave AND report them.

YANBU to quit and withdraw your child, and I’d be reporting the incidents you saw too. As a parent I’d be horrified to think that staff were shaming and threatening children. Some of them are in these places for 8 hours a day, treatment like that is going to seriously impact them.

Just leave. And report them to ofsted.

The managers seem lovely and I feel like I’m letting them down, but if we stay, I feel I am letting my child down, and my child is more important.

Where will your child go instead?
Does the nursery have good reviews?

Honestly if you can I would stay there and then you can log and report the behaviour to the manager.
You say they seem lovely so hopefully they’ll do something about it.

Omg