Nursery - how serious is breaking the ratios?

[StealthPolarBear]

Just been into nursery for a chat with one of the staff. As I arrived the owner came out of her office to let me in, and followed me into the baby room where there was one member of staff with 5 or 6 babies. I was a bit shocked but am now worried I'm overreacting. Please tell me your opinions on this. A few minutes later another member of staff turned up, so she'd maybe been to the toilet or whatever.

It is serious if it is a regular occurance but unfortunately, sometimes it is unavoidable if in cases like you mentioned, someone needs to use the toilet. However, ratios should still be maintained, even if it means somebody covering for the five minutes or so it takes to go.

If you're concerned, do talk to the manager of the nursery and let him/her know. It can't do any harm and should reiterate the point about maintaining ratios at all times.

I mean it is sometimes unavoidable if the nursery is short staffed elsewhere.

people have to use the loo! I would only worry if this was happening regularly, for more than a few minutes.

Fair enough. I was in a couple of the weeks ago where one of the staff called the owner in as she needed to go and change a nappy. At the time I was pleased, now I'm wondering if they were doing that for my benefit. If they are thinking "shit, I bet she thinks that happens all the time" when actually it doesn't, then I don't really have a problem with it. I have a few other niggles and I am wondering how much else I am going to discover that I don't like iyswim.

MrsM I agree - and am very relieved to be told I'm over reacting.

At my old nursery the babies milk kitchen was a couple of doors down from the baby room and often a nursery nurse would leave the room to go get a bottle

I would mention it in passing. I manage a nursery and it does happen, plus if i answered a door to a parent knowing the other staff member was in the loo i would follow you in too, to enable that staff member to chat to you, as doing this whilst watching the room is impossible. it shouldn't happen but if its only for a minute or two then i wouldn't worry to much.

As for your other niggles - try popping in at unexpected times, that way you can monitor ratio's and put your mind at ease about other things. A good nursery has nothing to hide.

Ofsted take the attitude currently that nurseries can apply ratio over the entire setting. I was told this by an inspection team manager, when I mentioned my experience while temping in nurseries.
I don't agree with Ofsted, as a nursery is multiple groups, and ratio should be per group.
Feel free to complain to Ofsted, not about the nursery directly, but about Ofsted policy.
With luck with the changes in September, Ofsted will change how they view ratios in nurseries - can but hope.

In America the ratio IS 1 worker to 5 babies! Being a previous mindee of 5 babies at once in a nursery, it CAN be done (very well!) and I wouldn't worry about it, especially if it's not often.

Thanks everyone
nannynick, I didn't realise that, but it does make sense.
I'm not going to get neurotic about it - just wanted to make sure you didn't all come on telling me that was unforgivable and to take him out immediately!

the ratios are for the building nor the group (which IMO is rediculouse)

so all the staff in offices doing admin / in the loo / sorting other rooms ready for activities are STILL included in the staff / child ration even though they are doing nothing and not even properly avaliable to provide care for the children

all perfectly legal

I personally do NOT agree with this system at all, and its one of the many reason i wouldnt send my own child to a nursary

No it does not make sense... ratios are important and if the regulator has decided that for a 'group' there are minimum ratios to be met, then all 'groups' should meet those. Just because a Full Day Care Nursery consists of multiple groups, should not mean that they get differently treated from say a sessional group.

Anyway... I'd keep an eye on things if I were you. A good nursery will have sufficient staff to cover the Minimum ratio.