Advice please re my dd's nursery. Feel so sad.

[QueenNeurosis]

My 1yo dd has been at the same nursery full-time since she was 5 mo. right next to my place of work and I would pop back and forth to bf throughout the day. Have got to know the staff and other babies so well. It is a chain but the service has always felt very personal.

Following dd's birthday last week she has moved up to the 12-18 mo room next door to the babies and thing had deteriorated throughout the week to the extent that I feel that all the trust and relationship has gone. Sorry to sound overdramatic but I feel totally devastated.

Dd had a few visits which had gone fine but I was told afterwards, not prior to each visit. I wasn't sure where to drop off on the first day as I hadn't been shown around. I had to ask who her new key worker was - the staff member went to find out, only to find out that it was her. They dropped a nap without consulting me so she howled all the way home with overtiredness. There are different staff members in the room each time I drop her off and collect her and I don't have a clue who anyone is - I introduce myself and ask their names but without exaggeration it has changed every day. My dd has howled every time I've handed her over and burst into tears each day when I've collected her. Because she never normally cries and will play well on her own, she's been alone every day that I've collected her whilst the staff cuddle the crying babies (understandably.)

I had to pop down during the day yesterday and it was so hectic I could see dd being knocked over and looking so small next to all the toddlers - she can't walk yet and because she's not a crier when she's knocked over, it just happened... Without going into huge detail, there was a nasty accident yesterday which, when they showed me what happened, could only have done so if she'd been unsupervised for some time.

I requested a meeting with the management today who weren't able to fit me in until Monday but when I did outline my concerns they were really upset and apologetic and the staff were really attentitve when I picked up dd tonight. I feel so sad. DO you think these concerns are valid? Is there any point in letting the nursery address these issues?

Sorry for the huuuuuuuuuge length.

QN

I moved my baby following an occasion where a member of staff was stood in the middle of the baby room holding one baby with another 8 around the room. I also saw a baby of 12 months clonk herself on the head with a saucepan unsupervised.

Personally I felt that there was no explanation I would consider satisfactory and this was when they knew parents were dropping off which makes me wonder what goes on when you aren't there.
She should not be left alone to play, what is she getting out of that ? It should be an enriching experience going to nursery not simply getting through the day until mummy picks you up.
I'd take your custom elsewhere.

Thanks again for the really helpful replies.

I met with the managers today who were really kind and concerned. After I spoke with the deputy on Friday she called the manager who was equally upset. Unreserved apologies all round and the opinion that they had let us down.

The room manager was back today and dd greeted her with a big smile and hug, which was reassuring. One of the staff from the baby room was in her new room too today and I had a good general chat with her and dd?s new key worker. The management has also decided to introduce an 11-14-mo room between the babies and the next room to ease transition. So all in all I felt as if they took all my concerns on board.

So thanks! SO much happier and dd seems to have had a great day too. No crying at either end for her (or me).

QN

well done neurosis queen, you have handled the situation well, and they have responded. The transition room seems a really positive step. They deserve a second chance don't they especially as you have been happy there up till now.

Good luck

(and perhaps a name change for you?)

Good luck QN. My DD is happy in the baby room and they move them up at 2yo. My DS at same nursery hated toddler room so I'm dreading DD moving up. There has been consistency in staffing of baby room and pre-school, but less so in toddlers (2-3yo) which is a concern, but the nursery managements are almost always available to discuss concerns. Speak to them again and monitor the situation whilst you look about. Big huggs xxxx

Very pleased for you that they seem to have acted in response to your concerns. Shows how worthwhile it is to maintain communication.