security issue

[billyog]

My ds is 2 and has been going to the same nursery since he was 8 mth old and overall we're very happy with it and ds loves it.
However, about 6 mths ago I noticed that the door leading to the toddles room had been left on the snib, ie not locked, its got one of those code locks on the door. The main door to the nursery is always open so basically, at times, there is no locked door between the children and the public. I spoke to the manager who apologised, understood my concern and said she'd speak to the staff. So for a while the door appeared to be locked and I felt happier however, its starting happening again. You see, the kitchen is outside the room, in the main corridor, and i think the girls are just tempted to put the lock on the snib while they bob in and out but obviously forget now and again to take the snib off again. I've spoken the manager again and said I think they need to change the system or lock or something, she said she would look into it. What do others think? I'm not over reacting , am I?

No, not over-reacting at all IMO. In fact I would rather question why main door is open.

My dc have been to 2 nurseries, and at both there were very strict entry procedures to get in building in first place. I think this is more important than individual doors within the premises. For example in a short while your ds will be going to toilet by himself - It is crucial no-one could access and no child exit building without supervision. In fact I would bet it is actually required.

Definately not over-reacting - would they notice if a little one slipped out of the door and then gets out of the main building - a local nursery here had that problem and fortunately the little boy was found outside shortly after, it is in a 42 acre setting, so no busy roads, etc.

The nursery DD went to didnt have a locked door, but they had a stair gate on the door, so the door could be left open if too hot, etc, but the toddlers couldnt get out - neither could the parents!

I would take it up again with the manager, perhaps another quiet word, but maybe a letter of complaint - security at nursery is paramount given the age of the children, and toddlers natural curiosity. You dont want to be seen as moaning, but it is a safety issue that could have dire consequences - and then something would have to be done - not the best scenario.

A complaint letter would have to be recorded and Ofsted would then see it, and the nursery would have to prove what they have done to remedy the situation - the problem is young staff have no appreciation of the risk they are taking, but the manager should be clamping down on them. Can you get any other parents on side and get them to make comments to the manager, so it is not seen that you are the one complaining all the time - your DS will be there for another year or so, so you need to feel happy that he is secure, but equally that the staff are looking after him well - dont want your card to be marked as a troublemaker!

You've given them enough chances, put your complaint in writing. You're child has an absolute right to be kept safe.

staff need constant supervision.....
they kept leaving my door unlocked
outcome - i said only supervisors (3 people) were allowed to answer the door.
this works. also i man reception 8-9 and 4-6.

you are not over reacting at all

you have given them enough chances to sort this, so i would also put a complaint in writing

the staff also need some re-training/addtional training by the sounds of it, if they are getting such basic stuff wrong