Demanding parents- how to address

[Needinginfo]

Child with additional needs.

Parents obviously have concerns but are demanding so much attention for their child it is difficult. Sometimes attending to this child's needs takes us away from the other children and means that sometimes things have to be done in a different order/ at different times to what we would like.

How can this be addressed?

Explain to the parents that it's your decision how you run your nursery.

If you are receiving additional funding because of a child's additional needs then make sure that you are fulfilling your obligation.

You can only do your best.

Do they acknowledge that the child may need to be assessed?

You will have to tell them that the child's behaviour means that they need more 1-2-1 attention, which takes the carers away from their other children, and this can mean that there will be times when the staff/child ratio is below requirement.

I am sure in your small print there will be a clause that states if a child has additional needs, they will need to be addressed by an external professional.

Behaviour is not an issue at all. Delightful child.

Cannot give out too much info but the child has a serious illness needing frequent checks and/ or treatment.

Parents are very involved and will phone a lot during session, also very demanding that treatment etc done immediately when they say. This takes us away from other children at times.

Can we request a 1:1 for a child due to medical needs or do the parents need to initiate this.

Training has been given to members of staff but sometimes it still impacts on the timing of things as the child's condition is unpredictable.

I'm not 100% but if the child has needs due to illness then it sounds like your fist port of call should be your local authority to see if they will fund additional staff to support the child. Generally the parents need to fix it up but if you have the info you can pass it on to them.

In our LA if the child is genuinely not meeting 'expected norms' then as a setting you can request one to one support, along with the parents. You are unable to initiate this alone. An initial assessment would need carrying out and this would be done by your local early years support team or equivalent.

Speak to your area SENCO or Inclusion officer at the local authority.