A professionals opinion needed

A professionals opinion needed

by: cassmoo - 14-05-08 20:06

I am 20 years old, have worked in childcare for 8 months and am currently attaining my NVQ level 3 in CCLD. I work in a committee run pre-school full-time. Today I was left with two parent helpers (both unqualified) in the morning with 16 children. After 12pm I was left with one helper and 14 children. This occured because my supervisor was working from home while another assistant was off sick. Is this right? I felt so stressed especially as one child requires one to one attention due to behavioural and social needs. I also had a difficult situation with a parent in the afternoon and there was no support for me, I tried ringing my supervisor but it took 40mins to get a reply! I would like to know what others opinion is on this and if it is a common thing? What should I be doing?

by: Mia

I think that you shouldnt off been alone,were the two parent helpers crb checked? I know in the standards you are only allowed to count students in your ratios if they are there for along period of time and are capable, As for the supervisor she should of never of put you in that position, what if a child had had an accident the helpers couldnt take them to hospital and you couldnt of left the children either? plus your not qualified and in a private day nursery 50% off staff have to have a qualification and at least one member first aid trained.

by: cassmoo

Both parents have been CRB checked.

by: Nut

as far as im aware a level 3 or above must always be on site.. Your supervisor should have not left you on your own, 

by: Shelly

Hi Mia

No u should not have been left alone, your supervisor should have been with you and not working from home, if she was short staffed, it was wrong of her to leave you with so many children and unqualified staff, if ofsted had done an unanounced inspection there would have been a lot of questions asked and maybe even registration suspended. 

by: cassmoo

I was told (by my supervisor) that because i was attaining my level 3 i could be used as a level 3 in ratios??

by: Shelly

ask her to show that in writing!!!!! you should NOT be left on your own without a qualified member of staff

by: cassmoo

Thankyou I welcome your support

by: janny

I was told by OfSTED that someone working towards a L3 qualification can be counted as qualified but only if there are qualified people around to call on. I once worked in a Children's Centre where the Pre-School supervisor was working towards a L3 but there were other qualified people in the building (i.e day nursery) to call on if necessary. You should not have been left alone and OfSTED would have had a field day had they come in. Its not fair on you, the children or the parents and I would have a discussion with your supervisor if I were you, show her these posts if necessary! Good luck

by: cassmoo

After going back into the setting today, there was no question asked how tha day went, if I had any problems or comment on her absence.

by: Mia

sorry to be blunt but your supervisor sounds crap and shouldnt be one, my advise get out and find a job where you are valued and respected.

by: Viv

Hi there Cassmoo.

This is really not at all good enough. OFSTED and parents would be horrified to hear of such a poor level of supervision. However good a nursery nurse you are, or the parents that were with you, you cannot be expected to work like this. Having been a nursery manager for many years I do undertsnand the pressure your supervisor is under but her responsibility is first and foremost to care for the children and staff. The ratios of staff to children are different for different ages.  0-2years 1:3 , 2-3 years 1:4,  3-5years 1:8 , but always one quaified and one other even if there are only 2 children. Speak to your supervisor about your concerns and if nothing changes take some positive action for the sake of you and the children.

by: kalual

if the nursery was short staffed, the supervisor should have been ther, end of story. it was unproffesional and down right rude of her to leave you holding the fort. i really feel for you and well done you for keeping your head together x

by: Mariam

This is a serious situation, and for sure you should have a chat with the supervisor/ owner.

My daughter goes to a nursery and we pay a lot of money for her care.  I feel sorry for the kids who need so much of our attention, and for the parents who have trusting the day care you work for.

I understand it is a business, but priority is the welfare of all those innocent lovely kids, whose parents trusted to leave them in your supervisor's "safe hands".

I know its hard for you and risky to lost job etc, but believe me u will be rewarded for approaching ur boss and if repeats just complain to OFSED. You don't want to take responsibility of something worst happening.