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Is this appalling childcare or is it just normal?

33 replies

tryingtoleave · 15/02/2008 02:39

I'm very upset. I've been looking for childcare for DS (19 months) for a couple of mornings a week while I study. When we spent time at the first place we got into I decided it was unsuitable because it was too structured. They were forcing the kids to take part in activities and telling them off when they wouldn't sit still. I didn't want that for DS so we looked for another place. We got a spot at another childcare centre and I've been spending some time there with him. Everything seemed fine. I left him for 1/2 hour yesterday without a problem. But today I left him for two hours. I arrived back at 11.30 (they weren't expecting me till 12.30) and could hear ds screaming hysterically from outside the building. Went in to find him lying in a cornor, completely hysterical and everyone ignoring him. I might have expected some tears on his first day but surely they should have made an attempt to comfort him??? When I tried to find out what had happened they told me he looked tired so they had put him there to nap and I should have left better instructions about his routine! But I can't believe he would be tired at 11.00 after waking up at 8.30 and he's not meant to nap there. He won't go to sleep on his own and that's why he's only doing mornings. Also, what if I hadn't come at 11.30 - would they have left him to scream for the next hour?

Anyway, we won't be returning but after two such bad experiences I'm wondering have I been unlucky or is this just the way it is? Should I keep looking for a better place or give up on childcare and try to study at night (tired smiley)?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
babyinarms · 15/02/2008 21:26

Poor you and your Ds, this sounds awful.
No this isnt or shouldnt be the norm.
I found it so hard to find the right creche for my DS when he was 1 year old. I dont envy anyone in that position.
We did find a very good one which he settled into no problem.I would collect him at different times, due to the nature of my job and he was always happy and contented there, sometimes getting cuddles from his carer if he was upset by anything.
Good luck with the hunting and i'm sure somthing will turn up.

DoodleToYou · 15/02/2008 21:32

Message withdrawn

mmelody · 16/02/2008 11:49

Also please make a written complaint about this incident.... else it will happen to others.

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Poppychick · 16/02/2008 20:35

Keep looking there are tons of good nurseries and childminders. You are right not to settle for that appalling state of affairs.

Try asking around this time, get someone to recommend a place.

bamamama · 18/02/2008 05:01

tryingtoleave - I seem to think we live in the same place. I've got my ds in a lovely nursery, CAT me if you want details. I don't know whereabouts you are but I do have a contact who's mum works for the childcare liscensing board in the city! Just let me know if I can help.

tryingtoleave · 19/02/2008 11:02

Hello again, bamamama! How old is your ds? I will try to work out the CATing, though it looks a bit complicated to me. We've actually decided to try to find a babysitter to look after DS at home for a few hours while I work in another room. We did that last year, with a lovely uni student who unfortunately didn't want to continue this year. I was hoping to get a few more hours this year by having DS in a nursery but after everything that's happened I think a babysitter will be the best compromise

Thanks to everyone else for your replies too! Coastalmum, I spent heaps of time at the nursery. I went once on my own and three times with DS before I left him and everything seemed fine. That's why I felt so shocked and now have so little trust. It was actually the staff member who I thought seemed the kindest who was ignoring my ds.

I have been trying to get in touch with the manager all day and finally left a message for to call me tomorrow. Depending on how that conversation goes, I will definitely consider making a written complaint, mmelody.

OP posts:
bamamama · 20/02/2008 03:02

Hi tryingtoleave - hope the manager got back to you. My ds is 20 months and is settling (slowly) into nursery. Just let me know if I can help at all though (I sooo rarely get the opportunity to offer to help out a MNer!!)

bamamama · 20/02/2008 03:02

Hi tryingtoleave - hope the manager got back to you. My ds is 20 months and is settling (slowly) into nursery. Just let me know if I can help at all though (I sooo rarely get the opportunity to offer to help out a MNer!!)

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