Is it risky putting down a deposit at a nursery without having met the key worker?

[GingerMaman]

Hi,

My LO is due to start nursery in the next few months. The nursery appears to tick all the boxes, but the key worker for my LO will be starting around the same time as she starts, and therefore I can't meet her before signing up. The manager said that all of them are qualified (level 3 in childcare). Is it risky putting down a deposit and then LO doesn't settle in or I feel the key worker isn't nice/competent?

What do I do?

you could meet staff today and they could hand their notice in next week and not be there anyway.

If you dont like the keyworker you can ask for another one.

If you like the nursery I would go for it.

Kimlo, that's very true. Good point. Thanks!

Don't choose a nursery based on just one key worker. Keygroups are changed relatively often as children move up rooms or leave. Make your decision based on the nursery as a whole.

The key workers change as they progress through....they can also often change the key worker if they don't gel with dc.

If you have a good feeling with the nursery and the other staff then go with it

If you don't get a good vibe from the keyworker then you could ask to change. I did as DD's keyworker was a bit useless.

The kids will chose their own preferred member of staff.
DS2 has a distinct preference for a trainee member of staff. She doesn't fill in his learning journal, but in all other senses, she knows him best, and can comment on his day and progress.

I'd judge on the general feeling of the staff, as turnover can mean your key worker can change.

Oh, and DS2 is 2.