so pi$$ed off with dd's pre-school

[Mandymoo]

I have had numerous reservations regarding dd's preschcool since she started in October but this week has really peed me off big time. DD had xmas party at preschool this week and parents were asked to bring along £1 to go towards present from father christmas. No problem. Except that the "present" was a tube of sugary sweet ffs! Wasnt even wrapped. Am i being unreasonable ?

wouldnt be happy with that. at ds3s creche they got a little kipper book (said £2.99 on back but prob cost them less) which was lovely. they always have a raffle a month before xmas to raise funds for the party, much better way of doing things. think i would write a letter to the head

Also:

1. For their xmas lunch they had a greasy sausage with the fat literally dripping off it and a chicken nugget and "smily" face.

2. The children do not have a key worker as such so i have no one to specifically liaise with regarding dd's progress

No, you aren't. I'd ask the head where exactly the money went.

I'd be unhappy with that too MM. Is it possible to find another preschool for dd? It sounds like this one's ethos is all wrong!

DH and I are going to have a chat about it over the holidays - its a shame as this one is so convenient but i am really not happy with. My other concerns which i have already listed on a previous thread are:

1. Pre school lady shouts rather than talks (even at the mums!) she just has a really loud voice which i know sounds silly but it just really put me off!

2. No outside play area

3. Toilets are right next to the kitchen with no separating door

4. Snacks are crisps and biscuits and juice rather than fruit EVERY DAY!

5. No key worker

6. DD was meant to have brought home some books to read but so far nothing has been sent home with her despite my reminders!

She is sooooooo not going back there after Christmas and I am soooooo hormonal (20 weeks preg) that I think I just may have to write a letter of complaint

RANT OVER - I THINK!!

I would change for all your reasons. DD goes to a toddler group and we all gave a pound for Father xmas to come with a present. HE gave them each a small book and an animal cup in a nice xmas bag.

Sounds awful, MM. Have you read its Ofsted report?

Is it a stand alone preshcool or part of a day nursery ? How old is dd ?

Has it been Ofsted inspected recently - things like position of toilets and lack of outside play space usually get mentioned in an Ofsted report, which also has action points for the future to be followed up. So if this is being ignored you could ask what is planned to achieve them.

If it is a stand alone preschool I wouldn't necessarily expect to have a key worker unless the group is very large. Snacks - perhaps you could ask if you could send fruit in as an alternative (ours get biscuits but parents can choose to do so)and may be other parents would like to do the same. Books perhaps it is too soon to expect it if she only started in October.

tbh it sounds rather disorganised and shows symptoms of a general lack of forethought, interest in the children and current issues affecting early years education. As you are already unhappy and if you don't receive positive feedback to your queries about the Santa sweets and food, I'd try to look for an alternative now otherwise it may be more difficult to switch once term has started again in the New Year.

hth

It is a stand alone pre school with just 11 children attending atm. I have read the Ofsted and it did have a good report although it did highlight that there was little interaction between staff and parents with little opportunity for parents to talk with staff. Toilets were not highlighted. DD was 3 last week - i also have an issue in that one when i asked one of the workers last week how dd was settling in, she screwed up her face and said "well, she IS quiet" as if it was a bad thing!

My dd2 goes to a small local pereschool with only 9 kids on busiest day at the mo.There is always at least 3 staff there and although the key worker isn't there everyday the staff are always up to date and willing to give feedback.
She has no outdoorplay area although she goes ams only so it doesn't matter as much.
Isn't the door between toilet/kitchen health and safetu breech?

No you are not bieng unreasonable. I work in a small nursery for 2-5 year olds. We took them to see santa on a steam train. The children were all given good gifts which included a cuddly toy and a woodne train shaped whistle (the parents did pay something towards the trip, but this didn't cover all the costs). The children will be given a wrapped gift on the last day of nursery. The 2 year olds will have a teddy bear and the older children an activity book.
All nuseries are supposed to have key workers.