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2yr old getting sent home constantly!

10 replies

Cosmod · 19/04/2023 11:53

I only work 3 days a week, my daughter's in playgroup for 2 of those 8-3.30. I know it's a long day but she absolutely loves it there and allows me to earn some money.

But, she's sent home maybe once or twice every two weeks? It always feels like she's only unwell at playgroup, and once she gets home she's bouncing off the walls! They've told me today that she has 'blue lips' and a high temperature of 37.7. even though she was running laps round her bedroom and demanding a snack before I'd even managed to get her dressed this morning. I've just picked her up and she's jumping in puddles and has already asked for a snack even though they told me she 'wasnt herself'.

She will be absolutely fine at drop off and 2-3 hours into her session she's suddenly insanely poorly and needs to have 48 hours off until she can go back, despite being absolutely fine when we get home. I always get a call the exact same time, just before lunch, and it's always 'temperature' and 'not quite herself'. I've also had 'shes got loose stools' but she'll come home and her poo will be absolutely fine.

They have a VERY strict 48 hour rule, in which they can't go back until it's been 48 hours without symptoms, so now she won't be in playgroup until Monday next week, in which they do a temperature check and make you fill out return from sickness form upon entry. And not gonna lie, toddlers constantly have signs of sickness when there's nothing wrong, random coughs, snotty nose, they have off days like everyone else but (in my experience) she's never been as unwell as they say she is!

I understand they have to be cautious and I know that things can spread easily. Just more of a rant tbh, I'm on the verge of losing by job because I'm so unreliable. I'm always asking for cover and feel bad that I can't even commit to 3 short shifts. I have no help from anyone outside of playgroup, it's just me.

I also pay £80 a week and half the time shes only there 1 out the two days, it feels like such a waste. But she loves the place and i would feel awful pulling her out of playgroup, she has such a great time and learns much more there than at home!

I can't quit and just live off universal credit like a lot of people recommend I do, I use my job to pay off debt from a previous relationship. Its not a lot but it covers the money I owe every month.

I've looked for jobs that are closer but my availability is so limited, just 2 mornings a week and Sundays. I'm 22 with not a lot of varied experience, single mother, no education and no flexibility. Not exactly the most ideal employee.

I don't really know what I can do about it, feels like I'm at a dead end. I either need more help or some money magicked into my account.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
RandomMess · 19/04/2023 12:00

If you are sure was well at drop off and would have a meeting and say you can't collect for over an hour. I would be very suspicious that you are always being called just before lunch and would be wondering if it's about staffing ratios for the afternoon.

Be less readily available for a few weeks and monitor and see if stops.

Mummyboy1 · 19/04/2023 12:02

I would be looking at another childcare setting. I work in childcare and also send my son to a different setting. Sending her home every week is not normal.

Cosmod · 19/04/2023 12:25

I don't drive so I've already said they'll just have to wait while I get a bus as I can't teleport! She was fine yesterday, this morning, the day before. Eating and sleeping fine, normal 2 year old stuff. Definitely going to be putting my foot down as I'm always very compliant! I was on shift alone and couldn't just abandon my workplace when they called me, I don't know why they don't understand that!

OP posts:
Cosmod · 19/04/2023 12:26

I don't drive so I've already said they'll just have to wait while I get a bus as I can't teleport! She was fine yesterday, this morning, the day before. Eating and sleeping fine, normal 2 year old stuff. Definitely going to be putting my foot down as I'm always very compliant! I was on shift alone and couldn't just abandon my workplace when they called me, I don't know why they don't understand that!

OP posts:
Hugasauras · 19/04/2023 12:36

I bet it's a ratio issue for sure.

Skybluepinky · 19/04/2023 12:36

Move settings.

AliceTheeCamel · 19/04/2023 12:36

37.7 isn't a temperature and I wouldn't collect my child on the basis of that. Actual blue lips in children is a 999 emergency so I'd call bullshit on that one as well tbh. Like PP I'd suspect staffing issues.

You could try giving her a dose of calpol right before she goes in, then see if they still try and claim she has a temperature after 2-3 hours.

I'd ask for a meeting with her key person and lay it on the line that your job is under threat and you'd like to discuss ways to maximise your daughter's attendance. See what they suggest.

Are there any other nurseries around? Do you have any option to move her?

underneaththeash · 19/04/2023 13:30

I had this at one of our settings - after a couple of "she's ill" Phone calls, I went in with a thermometer and checked her temperature myself. Also asked them to keep the nappy with the "Loose stools" for the GP.

The stopped calling me and went onto someone else!

Onelifeliveitright · 24/04/2023 06:56

That is ridiculous and not normal. Definitely have a meeting and tell them how this is impacting your work and very unsettling for your daughter.
I would also look into alternative childcare aa a back up. Any childminders in your area? Good luck.

Blondeshavemorefun · 24/04/2023 15:51

This seems very weird

Agree possibly ratio numbers and trying to get rid of. A child

Tho why if say had a temp does she need 48hrs off school

Sickness yes. Not a temp

Agree next time go with a thermometer

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