Disappointed to find out DD's key worker is not a native speaker - does it matter?

[Tapster]

I'm a bit concerned that I have just found out my DD has been assigned one of the two key workers that are not native speakers. I think she is Polish. I've only met her briefly but other mothers have told me that it can make a difference at this pre-school. DD just turned 2 and very verbal - 7/8 word sentences and a real chatterbox. However, she doesn't get on with my Dad that well who isn't a native english speaker and I think his poor english is part of the problem.

Its a private pre-school and very difficult to get into and I literally managed to get a place at the last minute to start in January. No other pre-school's round here will take as early as 2, she does have a place at a Montessori school in September but I'm due in March and wanted her to start pre-school before no.2 arrives and with no help and a difficult pregnancy I could do with a break.

I haven't paid anything other than a desposit so far and I'm getting cold feet. Do I send her or not?

I would not worry too much about it. She will be hearing a lot more native speakers than the one non-native speaker.

Have you spoken to the Polish keyworker? I am assuming that her English is reasonably good if she is working with children.

Keycarers are not the only ones to play/care for your child - in fact the on;y thing they do sepcially is write reports etc.

exactly how would it make a difference?
at 2, I can't see a problem at all

I don't see how it would make a difference. Her English must be pretty good surely, for her to be working in a pre-school? Why do the other mothers think it does at this age?

I honestly wouldn't have a problem with it. Far more important that she is caring, approachable and has a good manner with the children. There are really good nursery assistants and really poor ones, and I'd far rather my child was allocated to a competent Polish woman than an incompetent English one.

It wouldn't worry me. There will be plenty of interaction with other staff and obv children. Presume keyworker's English will be fine but accented - good to let your dd hear different accents imo.

It's a good pre-school = she would not have been employed if her English was poor.

Other qualities are far more important.

I really wouldn't worry about it if her English is good but she speaks with an accent. If your DD has speech and language delay, and finds comprehension difficult then it could be a problem.

Thanks I think I am over worrying as i am unsure about sending her at all. Surrounded by foreign parents and children so she hears foreign accents and languages all the time but she does realise they are different and looks very perplexed.

Message withdrawn

(a) as others have said, the keyworker isn't the main carer for your child, just the person who is in charge of keeping an eye on her progress and writing up the notes on her.

and

(b) it wouldn't much matter anyway.

It's unlikely to be a problem. If she's from Poland she may also be highly educated, which could be a bonus.