Trust your instincts for your children (Nurseries in general)

Member Name: pebbles

Product:	Nurseries in general
Date:	28/09/00 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nursery care is very beneficial

Disadvantages: Not all staff are sweetness and light

I sent my son to a private day nursery when he was 21/2 years old when I went back to work full time, and as all mums I was nervous for him and I even shed a few tears. It was an excellent nursery with expensive fees and I couldn't fault it for the teaching,creativity and the educational benefits for the children.

He had been going for about a year and was quite happy until I found he wasn't looking forward to going in the mornings. I trusted my instincts and I stayed a bit longer and watched him as he set about his usual tasks upon arrival. I must admit that I felt uneasy about a new lady that had started working there but didn't think anything of it. She was always chatty to the parents and welcomed the children with a huge smile. My son never said hello to her as he did the other staff, again my instincts kicked in.

That afternoon I decided to finish work and pick him up much earlier than the usual time. I went in as I normally did to collect him, and on approaching a classroom I heard this lady shouting at him and he was very upset. It was tea time and all of the children were sat at their tables having a sandwich and a drink. She looked up and saw me standing there and was extremely shocked, she stumbled over her words to give an explanation. Apparently he had made his sandwiches squishy by squeezing them to make them soft(something which I didn't think unusual for a 3 year old!) He wasn't making a mess so I couldn't see the problem.

I asked to have a word with her and asked her how many other times had she spoken to the children in this manner, I could sense she was lying.I was furious that she was always so nice for public appearances yet was so horrible when we had left.From that day on she was completely different I believe other parents also made a complaint to the owner of the nursery and she was spoken to.

I was upset to think I had trusted the staff to take care of my son and he was made to
feel so humilated at such a young age.

I'd advise all parents to follow their instincts if you feel uncomfortable with a member of staff then I'd suggest you do what I did and arrive early, you are well within your rights to know how your children are being treated.

I strongly believe that children need to learn discipline but they also need to be shown understanding and compassion too. If the staff are picking at the children for such minor things then they shouldn't be working there.

Since writing this opinion I have had another baby.I don't know if it was because of this experience or reviews I have read about child minders but I feel worried to leave her with anyone else.
I contacted the local authority and they were brilliant with their advice on child minders, they too said to trust my instincts and visit the house on different times of the day and judge for myself. Ask if they mind if I contacted other mums and asked them for their opininon. Check their certificates, insurance and playing facilities. Take the child with you, their reaction will answer a lot of the questions for you.
Don't tar all of the child minders with the same brush, it's the bad apple that has spoiled the bunch.

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