Nursery likes and dislikes

[TheFutures]

Hi mums I was intrigued and wanted to find out what mums love about their child's nursery and what they believe should be different. Asking as I have become a nursery manager and would like to make a few changes.
Appreciate your comments thanks

We have a cleaner everyday after nursery closing hours im thinking to lay down carpet. I think it's a good idea we have an area for wellies and raincoats so I could make room for shoes and slippers
The creative room I will leave the way it is as it's too messy.
I will provide nursery slippers for each child.
This is great for good hygiene

I actually think Insancerre has a point - I'd be a bit worried about a Nursery that "works alongside the EYFS - that is the statutory curriculum. I'd also be very concerned about a nursery manager not knowing the statutory ratios.

Getting down to things like slippers becomes personal preference - it would annoy me to have to have another pair of slippers for Nursery as well as at home, and, quite frankly, I'd rather little (growing) feet were supported by properly fitting shoes. Things like the cots / sleeping area is going to depend on the space you have available. (mine would have needed a separate area, as FAR to nosey to sleep while others are playing). What I would consider 'friendly' someone else might consider 'unprofessional'; what I would consider chatty, others might consider 'nosey'; what I might consider staff dressing practically, others might think 'scruffy'; and so forth. It's stuff that you are never going to please everyone with, all the time.
What is really important is how well you look after your staff - if the staff are happy then the atmosphere for all the dc is much better, as well as retaining staff. If you have that additional person so someone can be shadowed straight away, when they go through a biting phase, for example, that makes a really positive difference to all the children - but isn't the sort of thing new parents would think to ask.

We had to provide our own slippers, didn't mind really and I might have been more concerned about other kids foot hygiene tbh.

Yes that is correct it's preference! can not please every one!
Yes you do have a point about keeping the staff happy in order for the children to be happy and to work in a pleasant atmosphere but unfortunately it's hard finding staff that have a passion for children most are in childcare as it does not require high skill.

I've worked in many nurseries and do not understand how some are still open. Everyone acts their best when Ofsted is around shame really.

Children in fitted shoes all day will eventually alter the child's foot shape

I like that DS's pre-school doesn't have adult-chosen topics or themes eg. transport, people who help us, under the sea. They follow children's interests rather than choose 'child-friendly' topics.

unfortunately it's hard finding staff that have a passion for children most are in childcare as it does not require high skill.

Your attitude is quite odd if you don't mind me saying so. Are you sure you're a nursery manager?

Quite Tallulahoola.
what a strange thing for a Nursery manager to say

I did pick that up too but didn't comment for fear of being called rude again
I'm my nursery, there are 6 of us. 3 of us have a level 6 qualification including QTS and 2 have level 3 and are studying for level 5
Then we have our apprentice who is studying for level 2
We are all highly skilled at what we do, except the apprentice but she's only been in her post for 6 weeks
3 of us have degrees and one is studying for a MA
That's hardly an unskilled workforce

I loved the staff at my children's nursery best of all. They were kind, smart and loving and the nursery had very low turnover of staff.

I also loved that the outside doors were almost constantly open so the children could roam into the garden whenever they wanted. We lived in a flat with no outside space at the time so I was happy for DS that he could run around to his heart's content outside.

It was messy but lively and warm. We moved and I miss it so much!

I did this to find out in general what people liked most about there nursery and disliked I don't need irrelevant comments!
Everyone should focus on their selves and how to better there selves whether in relationships work, cooking what ever it maybe but please I really cannot stand ignorance.
Not sure what is strange about stating the obvious most nursery workers left school and went into childcare. They then go on a training course provided by the nursery in order to achieve a level 2/3 in childcare therefore not much skill is required.
I started working in childcare in 2010 after I was rejected from uni I wanted to be a social worker but unfortunately didn't get into uni due to my life experiences and my age being only 18 so I went into nursery work. At this stage I had no childcare qualifications just common sense and was good enough for the position.

Well then in answer to your original question, what I love about my child's nursery is that the staff are kind, thoughtful, caring, lovely people. Including the managers. You might have a bit of work to do on that score

Wow small minded people I have nothing more to say to you.
how do you know from what I have said on here if I'm good or bad kind or heartless! How can you judge someone a bad uncaring person seriously!

Thank you for everyone who has commented with good intentions I appreciate that.

I'm devoted to my children at my nursery I go the extra mile for them always.

Insancerre

U reported my comment funny that it's ok for you to state your opinion but you do not like it when I give mine
I really hope you do not comment on here again, as I do not care about your opinions.

FWIW I reported your post at 8:04am, as it came across as an uncalled for personal attack on Insancerre.

You have no idea whether Insancerre even saw your reported your post at 8:04am, let alone reported it (given she's a nursery manager and could well have started work before then).

Also, her comments about qualifications seemed relevant given your remarks about childcare but needing high skills.

Thank you for your comment

Seems I've missed a bit
I've been at work
Left the house at 7.20 am and I've just got in at 7.40 pm
It's been a long day
TheFutures I have no idea what your deleted post said but thanks Jospehine for reporting it

I've never had a spat in this section of mumsnet before 😛

Oh and you can't forbid me from posting on threads
It doesn't quite work like that

If you do Facebook there is a group called Early Years Management that has lots of lovely nursery managers in who are fantastic at giving advice

Insancerre is that group for Early years Managers in England? obviously the curriculum is different depending on where you're from.

As for this comment op, "unfortunately it's hard finding staff that have a passion for children most are in childcare as it does not require high skill" it's that kind of thinking that brings Childcare practitioners down. Does not require high skill?! Are you joking? In Scotland you must be qualified (or working towards it) and continually developing your skills. It's highly offensive that you actually believe that.

Ready
No, it's for everyone
I find it really helpful

I am on facebook thank you for the information.

To be frank OP, you just don't sound like a serious and professional nursery worker. You've "become" a manager at 24 and seem like you have no beliefs on how to run a nursery.

You have topics in your nursery? What do you think about being 'child led' in your activities? Big topic in childcare. What are your views?

You hear somebodies' opinion about shoes being on all day and decide you'll carpet your nursery. Have you worked out the costs? Cleanliness of carpet verses hard flooring?

How would you handle parents disagreeing with you? The same way you disagree with posters on here?
Wow small minded people I have nothing more to say to you.
how do you know from what I have said on here if I'm good or bad kind or heartless! How can you judge someone a bad uncaring person seriously!
That is just not professional language. Firstly, the spelling, punctuation and grammar is terrible. Secondly, an insult isn't helpful and it isn't an argument. Thirdly, people are not saying you're uncaring. They are questioning you knowledge and ability. You criticise nursery workers by saying many are poor quality and don't have the skills they need to do the job properly. (I agree by the way). But are you sure you have the skills?

What do you think of the Reggio approach?

What are your views on outdoor nurseries?

What do you think of the upcoming 30 free hours and rise in minimum wage? Can the nursery sector cope?

What do you think of the idea of neutral/natural decor in nurseries?

What makes great continuous planning?

If you've never really thought about the answer to any of those questions you're going to have difficulty. Do as many training courses as you can. Same for you deputies too. Good luck.