nursery with no outdoor space that never take kids out

[thesunisout12]

Hi,

in my DSs nursery there is unfortunately no outdoor space as it's quite common in London.. When we came to visit before we signed up, they told me they go outside daily as there is a park across the road. I've later discovered that this is far from the truth and they rarely make outings at all and it can be several weeks of them never leaving the nursery for some fresh air. I have raised this concern on many different times both in person and in writing and to the managment, but there is always some kind of excuse, new kids settling in etc etc. We are on a waiting list for a new nursery because of this, but I want to do what I can for him (and the other kids too) so they can be outside which I think is really important!

Is there something we can do? Can I complain to someone else? Ofsted? Am I being unfair?

Really appreciate any input on this.
Thanks

You should speak to the nursery manager about this. If you are unhappy about any aspects of childcare for your child, don't keep it in or change nursery as a first step. Speak to them. Then you can complain to Oftsed if you want. Do it in writing if you wish. All nurseries have a standard complaints procedure, you can ask for it.

"I have raised this concern on many different times both in person and in writing and to the managment"

You didn't read the op fully MyschoolMyrules.

Oops sorry

Ask to see their plans for outdoors/physical activity they will have to show are planning all areas. Are they moving all furniture in the afternoon so children can have slides bikes climbing frames inside instead??

If they are meeting correct ratios it shouldn't be hard to take them across the road,everyday!

I don't imagine it'll go down well when ofsted come to inspect them. Section 3.58 of the EYFS framework is quite clear that children must have daily opportunities for outdoor play (other than in genuinely unsafe weather conditions). I don't think 'new child settling in' counts as a good reason within the EYFS. Nor does inadequate staffing (other than in exceptional circumstances), as the nursery should be staffing itself to fulfil the requirements of the EYFS.

Agree re ofsted. It's part of their framework that children have to go outside on a daily basis. When was their last inspection?

Also, 'it's raining' isn't considered an unsafe weather condition by ofsted either. Unless it's remarkably torrential.

thanks for all your input on this.

No, they don't move any furniture around to allow for any slides/bikes inside. I have to drag any information out of them of the activities they have done as there is no written info and none of them are super chatty when I pick him up. I wrote a new email a few days ago and told the manager again that we are unhappy with the lack of outings and we wan't him to be outside every day weather permitting. I've had no response so far.

Has anyone complaint to Ofsted before? Will they know it's me? Can I be anonymous?

2015 was the last Ofsted inspection

Quoted from their last report:

'Staff plan outdoor activities well to places of interest to promote children's learning.
They make effective use of local parks so that children use large fixed play equipment and promote their physical skills.'

The lack of written records and poor communication will also be an issue for ofsted. Is there a new manager since the last inspection?

I believe it's the same management, but I'm not 100% sure as the last report was before our time @MiladyThesaurus

Yes, I mean there are several issues with the nursery. In the 12 months there we have only recieved 1 written report which is meant to be quarterly. My main concern is the outdoor aspect, but there are definetly more areas for concern. This is our first nursery so I don't have much to compare it with..

I run a nursery
My children spend hours outside in all weathers
The new EYFS recommends 3 hours of physical activity each day which is hard to do inside
Ofsted do expect children to go out every day
If you have raised this with the nursery and things haven't improved then you can report them to ofsted
You can do it anonymously and it may trigger an inspection
If your complaint is upheld it will be publushed on the same ofsted page as the nursery report
I would report them on your shoes as those children are being denied a huge part of childhood development and the joy of being outside

We get a written report everyday.