Private Day Nursery Hell

Private Day Nursery Hell

by: annacotty - 03-05-07 20:30

I have just started a new job (3 days ago) in a private day nursery and i HATE it! There is no structure, no planning, no circle/story time, no interaction with the children, the only time the children are spoken to is when they are being shouted at, its constant free play throughout the day. We spent 4 hours in the garden yesterday in the sun, no sun cream was applied to the children and only a few had hats to put on. The children come straight in from outdoor play to eat lunch/tea and theres no washing of surfaces or hands (of staff or children). I could go on and on. I signed my contract and it states i have to give 6 weeks notice if i leave but i cant stay. Ive just started a college course and definitely do not want my assessor coming to this nursery to watch me work! Does anyone have any advice on what i should do? can i just leave without working my notice? x

by: space

Hi,I suppose it all depends on what your position is within the nursery on how you speak your mind, but everyone should be aloud to say how they are feeling. Yes we all enjoy doing our lessons/activities outside in the sun or shaded area of our outside areas. It can get out of hand depending on how much sun the carers want. (Not part of the contract I dont think), but at the end of the day we are employed to look after other peoples children. I can gues that in the middle of winter they dont even go out, Ive also worked with these sort of peolpe. I guess that you should be tactful and speak to your manager. If they have having about them, they will understand about sun issues,how clean a room should be before eating and personal hygiene.Let us know what happens. Good luckXXXXXXX

Private Day Nursery Hell - 03-05-07 21:57

by: janny

Hi I think you do need to do something which I know is difficult when you have just started there, however now that you have you have a responsibility to the children. Can you speak to the Manager/Owner about your concerns, go with a list then you wont forget anything? Failing that you could go directly to your local Early Years team or OfSTED, you can do this anonymously if you prefer.
As for leaving and not working your notice, are you on a probationary period? If so I believe (but check with CAB or ACAS) that you can leave at anytime during the probationary period, that said it also means that they can ask you to leave also.
Do try to do something about the situation though as if you leave and do nothing the children will continue to be at risk and it takes someone brave to do something about it. Good luck and be strong!

Private Day Nursery Hell - 05-05-07 11:03

by: scarlett

Have you had, or are you still having an induction?? we do a 4 week induction so that the manager and employee have an opportunity to discuss matters. I think you should request a chat with the Manager and voice your concerns.
We have outside play accessible all day for the children but with structured activities as well