leapfrog employees

leapfrog employees

by: central - 04-09-05 17:23

you should all feel very offended by this message from someone who is quite senior at central office. why should you have to write the babyroom menu - and cook!!!!! ask ofsted if this is your job
because you have an opinion you are branded as a trouble maker - are you not allowed to have your say???
your priority is the children and their welfare - not if staffing levels are adequate or if there is enough cover. its easy to be smug and pass judgement on people when you dont have to contend with the problems on a daily basis
your parents are paying vast sums for their children to recieve the best childcare available - perhaps someone should let them know what really goes on
maybe you and a few others are the people to do it - you must have heard of people power - remember there are a lot of organisations out there looking for good nursery staff

by: Stephy

THANK YOU central
really appreciate it dont know if you work for leapfrog or are just sticking up for us that do. Will be showing other staff what 'Big brother' has to say about us.
I certanly wont be going without my feelings being heard
THANK YOU

leapfrog employees - 04-09-05 18:18

by: Stephy

Sorry just re-read meaasges and i see you used to work for leapfrog, i hope you have gone to a better place and they treat you how you deserve to be treated.

leapfrog employees - 04-09-05 20:44

by: jacqui29

Big Brother.
An interesting choice of ID. The real BB suppressed all freedom of speech and opposition. Thank goodness for the internet, if it had been left to Leapfrog we wouldn't have found out HQ was to close with 100 redudancies and that the MD had left.
Continue to toe the party line and bury your head in the sand!

leapfrog employees - 04-09-05 21:45

by: Friend of BB

Its funny what you find while having a bit of the surf on the net. I’d like to state from the start that I don’t work for Leapfrog in any capacity. I’m a parent.

This conversation was started by a frustrated, disgruntled employee, who is supposed to be part of the management team. And her little friends, also disgruntled employees. People who care more about themselves than their charges, peers or the people who pay their wages. No doubting people whose personal performance at work would be questionable. I’m employed enough people in my time to know your destructive type. But I’m not tolerant like the company you work for, so they’re not around long enough to effect their peers.

It’s obvious that I’m going to agree with BB. Also in my experience, those who whinge, moan and bitch have nothing of value to contribute. What BB didn’t say was that while they are doing this, they are bringing those around them down to their sorrowful level. Unfortunately I have to work with people such as Stephanie, Central and Jacqui 29, who, regardless of how bad the customers are, how ridicules the instructions the directions from above are, the people who make it not a nice place to be are the wingers like you.

I’m a parent with a child in a Leapfrog nursery. And while I’ve had occasion to speak to the Ops manager regarding certain issues, when ever I’ve walked into the nursery to drop off or collect my son, I’ve always experienced a positive ambience. And there is no doubt that the care my child is receiving is of the highest standard. Thanks goodness he is not being looked at by the likes of you, Stephanie, Central and Jacqui 29. I am loath to name the nursery where my son is, I don’t want your evil influence to perpetrate there.

BB, if you want a job, I need people who are prepared to find and work through solutions rather than just constantly bitch.

leapfrog employees - 04-09-05 22:21

by: Winston Smith1

You haven't a clue what you are talking about.
According to your logic anyone who does not agree with the company should hold their tongue and fall into line. Fortunately the world doesn't work like that and the Thought Police don't control us.
You state you have employed destructive people before but not tolerated them for long, perhaps your management skills are not up to all that much then or you're simply a lousy boss to work for!
Then you state that unfortunately you work with people "who, regardless of how bad the customers are, how ridicules (sic) the instructions the directions from above are, the people who make it not a nice place to be are the wingers (sic) like you".
So, you simply believe a staff member should accept "ridicules" instruction and directions from above without question do you?
The simple facts are that the company was a very nice company to work for before the Leapfrog (reverse)takeover. It is not now because of poor management, poor communication and penny pinching.
Just think Leapfrog could be your Room 101!

leapfrog employees - 04-09-05 22:36

by: Buttons100

Hi,
I hear what you are all saying and i agree its hard. But with any change in business there is going to be teething problems. This isnt a small change and it's going to take time. I'm not saying that Leapfrog is right and your wrong, i am just trying to stay focused on being positive and hoping it improves. Its up to each nursery to try and stand strong.The only way is up!

leapfrog employees - 04-09-05 22:44

by: Buttons100

Where ever you work there will be good times and bad. It can only get better!!!

leapfrog employees - 05-09-05 06:58

by: Stephy

A message for friend of BB

You are right i am a disgruntled employee nad maybe i agree i have gone about this the wrong way however i am always first in the door and almost always last out at night because of how much i care about my charges as you put it, i come in early to set up activites and games for them which i know specific children will enjoy who attend on each day, i stay late so i can display work etc without being taken out the childrens time so i can play with them all day. I think you would also find it interesting that i out in extra hours when ratios are low and i do actually volunteer for these i am rarely asked as i would rather work extra than leave the children short of carers. I have been asked on occasion by parents if i would like to leave and nanny for them these offered i have turned down not because of the money or the job but becasue at the time i felt i was in the middle of things at work trying to help matters i.e employment drives at colleges and felt i didnt want to drop my collegues in it. The nursery i work in has a good atmosphere as the girls i work with have all pulled together to as you say make the best of it, if someone is feeling down someone else can cheer them up.
I think you will also find that if your son came to our nursery you would also find a positive atmosphere, i am polite courtious and helpful to all parents i listen to thier concerns and help with situation- this is my job and i actually care for the children a lot which is why i do this job, and i also give the highest standard of care i can to the children with the resources avaliable the parents of my children will agree with this. All the negativity i expel at home so it doesnt affect the children or my job. Perhaps some of you are right we should shut up and let people walk all over us. Just to note i am still waiting for documents regrading some miscalculation of my wages since may, and thank godness the delivery came on friday we had been with out toilet roll and sanitiser again! Doesnt sound like a company who cares about thier staff.
Well i am going to go now to work as a matter of fact even though it doesnt open until 8 and i live a 5 minute drive away to sort out his weks activities for the children who you seem to think i dont care about!

leapfrog employees - 05-09-05 08:39

by: central

I cannot believe what i read
These girls are not whinging about selfish things - but fundemental tools to do their jobs
If your a parent and read what children where bieng given to eat given that you put your faith and trust in these nurseries you should be appaled
The only reason there is a great atmosphere in these units when you go in is down to the resiliance of these staff - who really do care about their charges (what other reason would they have for doing a job that pays peanuts)
these gripes are all fundemental requirements of ofsted - they are not asking for anything extreme. By the tone of your replies they have obviously hit a sore spot - "methinks he doth protest to much"
the nurseries are obviously breaking their registration requirements and as such have a duty of care to both the children and parents to make it known to the relevant authorities - after all a packet of minestrone soup and dried pasta is not what i would call a balanced meal
have you never had cause to complaine about your working conditions - friend of bb you sound a forthright person i dont believe for one minute you would tolerate these conditions especially as these girls care for the most vunerable members of our society - unfortunatly they dont have a voice or else i think they would be most vocal about cauliflower and tinned tomatoes for dinner
all credit to these staff for speaking out - ther is far to much cover up
i think nursery world should make these transcripts available to ofsted- and see what an independant body has to say about it
p.s i wonder if these girls are treated any differently as a result of their comments

leapfrog employees - 05-09-05 20:29

by: Stephy

Crusty i think i know who you are and thank you for your support and kind words. It means a lot to know the people i work with respect me and my work. Thank you.

leapfrog employees - 05-09-05 23:02

by: Who Cares

I find it really sad that people in the proffession of looking after children don't take their actions or opinions seriously. The affect of inappropriate, non constructive criticism can be devastating, especially in your proffession. It would appear that many of you working within the Leapfrog/Nord Anglia chain have become very disgruntled with the company and feel that your alone, fighting a loosing battle and nobody is listening to you. Well, maybe your right! I’ve probably had the best insight into the world of childcare than most of you, but I'm a firm believer in that, if you don't ask the right question, you will not get the right answer! Asking the right person for help can make a difference to the response that you get. Maybe there are people out there who believe in what your doing or what you stand for on the shop floor. Maybe there are people who are fighting your corner, maybe they’re pissed off too! It’s not just Nursery Nurse’s or Cooks who have a raw deal, the majority of staff working at Head Office deal with problems and pressures just as much as those of you on the front line. But you won't hear them slagging off the Company or putting excuses in the way, or thinking that the world owes them a favour! They do their job to the best of their ability and if that means a fight every day, then fight they will. The bigger picture can not always be appreciated by those in the corner. The company as a whole has gone through some big changes over the past year, some for the better and undoubtedly some for the worse. There are also more changes to come, but who knows what the outcome will be. I believe this company will survive, with or without Tracy Storey and it will succeed. The main reason I believe this, is you. People who are on the shop floor, doing the dirty work every day, people like Stephy who are passionate about their job, but just needs the right guidance. Everyone has their part to play though and if you don’t believe in the company you work for, why stay? And if you don’t want to believe in it, then get out and look for something else that will make you happy. Don’t however drag everyone else down or tar them all with the same brush. Life is to short and even though we live in a world of free speech, it’s my belief and mine alone, that there is a time and a place for everything and this is not the place to bite the hand that feeds you. Oh and one final thing, if nothing else, just remember this, “The grass is not always greener on the other side!”

leapfrog employees - 06-09-05 06:59

by: jacqui29

Perhaps when Leapfrog start treating people correctly, employees may start to have confidence in them.Yes we all get into this line of work because we love working with children, but when you constantly get let down it does not take long for morale to go down hill.

leapfrog employees - 06-09-05 13:04

by: Sad Mum

Why is there such a finger-pointing culture at the staff here? The poor girls love the children they care for. They have brought a whole raft of issues to their manager and when nothing was done they sent a letter outlining their concerns to the ops manager and the MD. Head office did send someone to the nursery and immediately addressed a couple of problems such as getting the grass mown and finding a second hand cot to help with the shortfall. What about the promise to give a full explanation of the change to wages? Nothing has come since May. Why did it take an anonymous call to the council to sort out the rotting garbage? Why did it take 2 members of staff to hire a carpet cleaner at their own expense and stay after work before the management offered to pay? Why are they still running out of basics (toilet roll & hand wash)? This is only the tip of the iceburg. These girls are battling daily with inadequate menus & equipment, lack of direction and poorly prepared staff rotas.Who else does "Who Cares" think the staff can go to? They have tried and are falling at every hurdle. No wonder staff morale is so low. As a manager myself I would expect union intervention if I treated my staff so badly. Come on Leapfrog, listen to your staff; they are willing and kind and just want a fair deal.

leapfrog employees - 06-09-05 17:00

by: scarlett

i am sad to hear that your nurseries are run by such inadequate, inefficient managers.
if things are going wrong, if staff morale is low, then it is the fault of the local manager. she is not doing her job properly.
my nursery (a small privately owned nursery) is the best as far as i am concerned. we have systems in place to monitor menus, cleaning, ratios, staff evaluations etc. we have staff meetings, ongoing supervision, training sessions. if the manager is not doing her job properly to the detriment of the health and safety of the children then this is a matter for ofsted. (if you have put a list together for her with solutions and she is still unable to adapt or compromise or come up with any solutions of her own)
and where is the Deputy manager in all this? she also should be bringing these problems to the attention of the manager.
i hope everything does work out for you all. maybe you could suggest a monthly staff meeting and come up with some good ideas and suggestions.
good luck

leapfrog employees - 06-09-05 18:29

by: Stephy

Scarlett whilst i thank you for you support and kind words i do feel that our manager does do a lot to help us but within such a big company she is a tiny little voice amoung a mountain of others. There have been times when her when i would have questioned her decisions or advce but i am not a manager and dont know how to run a nursery. She doesnt have a deputy manager at present to help her unfortunatly that job role is another which has not been filled for some months despite internal applications it is not her decision who to hire this comes from higher up the company. She us currently running a 108 place nursery alone in effect.

I have learnt my lesson and will probably not work for another big company such as this again unless i am sure there is a better support network in place for managers and staff.
Thank you for your advice and help its good to see we are being heard by someone.

leapfrog employees - 06-09-05 19:47

by: sparky

It is interesting to read everyones comments on here and to find out that we are all in the same situation. Like many of you i only found out about recent events through the artical in nursery world and was so interigued that i searched on here and found all the "have your say" comments.
I have been working at my nursery for nearly 3 years now and enjoyed coming to work up until recently and all the changes that leapfrog have issued. I am not a base room manager but i have the responsability of ordering the essentials such as toilet rolls, etc and then not getting these through when you expect a delivery is disgraceful that after ordering supplies every week, well still havent had a delivery for about 6 weeks. Things need to change, lets hope they do for everyones sake. We all go to work to do what we love, and that is to be with the children and if things dont get any better then the company is going to loose more and more staff.

leapfrog employees - 06-09-05 21:10

by: scrappy

i would like to stick my oar in and have my say - if no-one objects. I am a leapfrog employee! I turn up everyday as chirpy as anything and often feel drained at the end of it. i work very hard - as does all the girls i work with and i have to say that i feel quite fustrated at times that things are not happening that should be and i often feel that the children are not the main priority of the company. All the staff i work with love working with the children and work hard it is just increadibly fustrating that situations are arising that are not being addressed properly by the people who truly can make a difference.The children and the staff make the company what it is and the staff need to be supported and feel that they are heard throughout all levels of the company. Please people - do not critise people who are just trying to have their say because most of the comments i have read have very valid arguments. At the moment it just seems to me that the parents are really not aware of what is happening in their child's nursery in regards to cleanliness, staffing, food and resources. I feel that if they were they would be truly appalled and rightly so. I work hard for this company but feel that any signs of improvement, while they may happen, are proably quite far off as the bell tolls for quite a few jobs already as we have read. Also, even with all this interest it still seems that only the girls working together are the voices that are ringing out clearly. Please, lets carry on working hard for the children like we do but for pitys sake changes need to be made, voices need to be heard and recognised as to be honest - if i had a child i would think twice about a leapfrog nursery. sorry - but a child is the most wonderful gift that you can have and they should at least have the faciltities, resources and staff that have been promised to them by the company.

leapfrog employees - 06-09-05 22:01

by: jakevin

Has anyone not thought of involving OFSTED in this. Im not say the girls are not doing their job as you ALL sound as if you care for the children but you are not receiving appropriate resources. Surely this is a breach of the contracts that the parent sign regarding the care of their children. You are not able to follow company policies to the full content of them.

leapfrog employees - 06-09-05 23:26

by: Stephy

I will be honest and say i have thought about contacting ofsted but i havent as i dont know the implications and i think many leapfrog issues although are in indivdual nurseries come down to things such as supplies taking ages to arrive because 3 signitures are needed or a hold up for interviews for staff etc. Also wouldnt want to drop my manager and collegues in it when many of the things that would be picked up are out of our power.

leapfrog employees - 07-09-05 07:02

by: jakevin

Im not sure whether it would be right or wrong to contact ofsted but it certainly would not be your managers fault as she is trying her best but with no assistance from the top.
Are you keeping a diary of all these timely occurances as this could help in the long run. Just bullet point things so you dont forget them if you ever get called infro a meeting or need it later for reference.
It sounds like ofsted would not pick up on the care side but they do go round each room to ask staff questions thats the time when you would have to be honest and if their good inspectors they should pick it up.

leapfrog employees - 07-09-05 09:36

by: Trillo

I think you Leapfrog staff need to stop moaning!

If you spent less time bitching about the firm and more time being positive and helping the firm through its problems, you would all be better off!

TS is going because she couldn't do her job! If she was any good at it you lot wouldn't be moaning about how tough things are right now!

You need to think about the poor souls in Cheadle who are losing their jobs because people like TS screwed up!

You all know the firm is trying to sort out is troubles, and it will probably take a little time - why not try helping them instead of wasting time on here moaning about?

leapfrog employees - 07-09-05 10:49

by: jacqui29

I take it you are not in the "thick of things", you obviously don't have a clue about trying to clean children with no wipes, toilet rolls, tissues,paper towels etc,yet if things are not clean and illness occurs who will the finger be pointed at? Would you eat or give your child the "rubbish" we have had to feed to the children in our care, after all, these are growing children whose brains are developing rapidly and need a "proper" balanced diet. Parents do not have any idea because people like us do our job in a professional manner and keep smiling.

leapfrog employees - 07-09-05 13:41

by: Stephy

Gyppo,
What exactly can we do to help the situation please do tell i would love to hear your advice. After all if you have read any of the other entries you would see that many of us have been helping, with recruitment, writing menus, helping managers because we are short staffed a lot of the time. Short of driving to central office learning the skills of the people there and helping them i dont see what more can be done by us mere mortals at the bottom of the hierachy!
Leap frog has not always been like this it has only been since the takeover and before that TS did a very good job and it was a good company to work for.
Maybe its rude narrowminded people such as yourself which have driven.

leapfrog employees - 07-09-05 19:17

by: B Bird

Hi
I have worked for Laepfrog for a few years in the capacity of Manager and I would like to state that although there have been changes within the company my Nursery has not suffered in any way.
The children are still cared for to a very high standard by staff who are happy in their work and appreciate the environment in which they work. The menus are prepared with great thought and there is always plenty of food to go around.
I find it sad that I and many other Managers take great pride and ownership of our Nurseries, ensuring that we maintain a good reputation within our community only to risk this being ruined by a few- PLEASE do not assume that all the nurseries are the same.

leapfrog employees - 07-09-05 22:18

by: California

'nursery10' @ Nursery World, do you have a moderator observing this site?

leapfrog employees - 08-09-05 20:41

by: Worried Parent

I am an employee who has a child at the nursery where I work and I have to say standards have dropped! My child has been at nursery for over 3 yrs we picked Leapfrog because of its reputation and high standards and have always been happy until i started working there which was approx 8mths ago. I agree with alot of the other issued raised by people but my biggest and main concerns are FOOD & HYGEINE - Leapfrog what is happening, how must it look to parents/visitors when the visitor toilet is constantly out of loo roll and paper towels as nursery has run out yet again. How are we supposed to stop germs spreading especially in the baby room/nappy room when we are constantly running out of paper towels and sanitizer!!! Winter is fast approaching, we get enough germs in nursery as it is without trying to add to them. We get told the same thing they have been ordered but didn't arrive. Food is also a major problem, I feel very sorry for children who are full time as diet has at times been extremly poor, lacking in both nutrition and quantity. Do head office not realise that hungry children have a poor attention span, can become naughty or very tired.
I have queried tea many a time to be told it is a high tea(light snack) but for many children that is there last meal of the day, and I don't call 1 chesse scone with no butter and a toasted tea cake very subtantial or very nutritious. Our particular nursery has had a few problems over the last 6months with new cooks but I don't think that is a good enough reason for children to go 1-2 days with no fresh fruit or veg - what the hell are parents paying for!!! Why are menus placed up for parents to see when this is not what they are getting! Why is a morning session the same price as an afternoon session when am children get a snack and hot meal and pm children only get high tea! Sometimes we haven't even had enough food for the children to have more than one sandwich and if someone drops their 1st there is no more to give them. I have complained many a time to my manager about lack of food or the menu to be told to "go and have a word with the cook" she wouldn't be telling this to any other parent she would try and sort it out her self but I feel since becoming an employee I am not listened to as a paying parent anymore. I love the job and working with the children but
have thought many a time about taking my child out of nursery because of all of the above problems but then I think i have got lots of friends who send their kids to the nursery so if I leave what chance have they got of finding out what really goes on behind the scence, someone needs to keep an eye on the welfare of their children over expected things like food and hygeine - parents pay a hell of a lot of money and expect something in return

leapfrog employees - 09-09-05 17:40

by: the-voice-of-reason

There are serious health and hygiene implications here for all the children, staff and visitors to Leapfrog nurseries. Ofsted would gather evidence to this effect and make judgements about how well the nursersies contributed to children 'Being Healthy' and how well the nursery was organised. It seems to me that they would more than likely be judged as 'inadequate' and actions given to raise the standards. Surely this would be a wake up call to head office?

Throughout these messages nursery staff have stated that the children are their main concern. I am not convinced. By 'keeping these issues within individual nurseries', this is not solving any of the problems. It is allowing poor quality and bad standards to have a detrimental and dangerous impact on children's health and well-being.

I leave this thought with all Leapfrog nursery employees, can you sleep at night allowing this to happen? The telephone number for Ofsted complaints is 0845 601 4772.

leapfrog employees - 10-09-05 20:54

by: outside eyes

I am a parent within one of the nord anglia chain. i am not within a management roll. i feel dreadfully sorry that the only way you feel that you can express yourself within this working enviroment is by this site. This way is quite destructive to yourselves and your collegues. By doing so you are only adding to the problems your company are having. My child goes to a nursery where they were having simular problems regarding quality of food however because of the hard work by staff and managment and those at head office this matter will hopefully be resolved. the problems were caused by poor staff (cook) who failed to do her job properly. the solution sounds simple but without going into detail it was not (i do have ears inside).
i belive that nord anglia took on too many nurseries too quickly. However with your help you can furfill the dream of becoming part of the best childcare provider in the world. It is you that provides the care. I too work in a job with little support from above and know what its like but you must make it work for the sake of the children. The nursery my daughter goes to provides very good care to my daughter and this is because of the staff who are in exactly the same predicament as you and this is becasue of their dedication.

PLSE PLSE keep with it the parent aren't stupid they know whats going on they stay because of you.

regarding recruitment you are in the same boat as all other care givers inc nurses teachers ect you are poorly paid and the job has no finacial incentment. You do the job becasue you love it not for the money not everyone thinks like that and i admire you.

IT WILL GET BETTER one way or another but plse dont contine to destroy your future good care is hard to find

leapfrog employees - 11-09-05 12:42

by: outside eyes

WELL IF YOU FEEL THAT STRONGLY THEN YOU WOULD NOT HESITATE ABOUT CONTACTING OFFSTEAD EVEN IF THE OUT COME IS POSITIVE JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS BEING DONE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT IS WHAT YOU GET UP FOR EVERYDAY AND GO TO WORK THAT IS WHY YOU STUDIED AND GAINED YOUR QUALIFICATION AS I SAID I HAVE INSIDE EYES AS WELL AS MY OUTSIDE EYES IF YOUR MANAGER AND OPS MANAGER CAN NOT SORT IT THEN WITH PERSERVERENCE AND SUPPORT FROM ALL THERE STAFF IT WILL BE SORTED MY DAUGHTER WAS WITH JIGSAW BEFOR NORD ANGLIA AND HAS BEEN THERE AT HER NURSERY FOR THREE YEARS AND IS VERY HAPPY THERE THE MANAGER IS THERE TO SPEAK TO IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES AND WILL DO HER BEST TO SORT IT OUT.AS LIKE ANY ONE WHO WORK AT THE NURSERY THEY ARE ONLY HUMAN

leapfrog employees - 15-09-05 11:01

by: wellwell

Was the worst company every - I did not work in the nurseries but worked with Head office who treated people very badly. When Leapfrog merged with PC and Petits Enfants it was a big mistake. They put an incapable MD in place for a start who was allowed to treat us all like dirt!

What goes around comes around

leapfrog employees - 15-09-05 21:33

by: Stephy

Has any one seen this weeks nursery world article on leapfrog yet another sting in the tail i feel!
Oh and the salmonella what a horrible time for that to come. I hope all the children and staff effected are now ok.
It makes me concerned about cooking at my nursery when the cook is away i am not qualified for cooking and am now more worried than before about harming the children. Think I might stick to childcare.
I was however disappointed again to be questioned by a parent who had read it in the sun before we were told what was going on! All i knew was no chicken and eggs to be used. Imagine my concern and embarresment that i could not help ease the mind of the parent luckly i thought on my feet and dealt with it.

leapfrog employees - 16-09-05 15:59

by: poshbird

Hi Everyone,

I have worked for Leapfrog as an ADMINISTRATOR for less than a year and I cannot wait to leave.

Within my ADMIN role I have cooked on an inadequate cooker, washed up because the dishwasher is broken and we do not have a Kitchen Assistant, I have spent £350 of my own money on ESSENTIAL in 1 month, helped in children's rooms, taken paperwork home at the weekend and then I am asked why I failed to reach a report deadline by the OPS MANAGER.

If I wanted to be SUPERWOMAN I would wear a blue & red costume and have breast enlargements!

To those of you who think I am a whinger...I don't care! But losing another member of staff is not going to help the situation at Leapfrog.

leapfrog employees - 16-09-05 19:51

by: 6Aug

Every1 seems fed up with it at the moment but what about those at head office even your managers they wont say anything and make matters worse but to me it just seems that every1 is moaning and so cant be giving 100% to their job which is what they are getting paid for.At the end of the day if you dont like get out you obviously couldn't care. Yes of course there are going to be problems and yes they are going to take a while to settle out but we need to wait. I also think that if there are that many problems in your nurseries y haven't the parents picked up on it and taken there children out maybe your making the situation sound a lot worse than it actually is. I am from a leapfrog nursery and my nursery is managing fine staff are happy and those that aren't have left. orders are sometimes late because people don't let managers no about low stock levels. If you are seriously having that many problems report to head office but don't class all the nurseries the same because we are not and its not fair on the good nurseries.

leapfrog employees - 16-09-05 21:58

by: the-voice-of-reason

This is a sad and sorry state of affairs. As I stated in my previous posting 'It is allowing poor quality and bad standards to have a detrimental and dangerous impact on children's health and well-being.'

This has now been proven in the case of salmonella in a Leapfrog nursery. How many more outbreaks do we need to see before staff take their responsibilities within the Children Act seriously, i.e. 'the welfare of the child is paramount'. They need to stop 'whinging' as other 'postees' have so eloquently put it and blow the whistle on this inadequate care.

leapfrog employees - 17-09-05 14:42

by: outside eyes

nord anglia took all these nursery over at once so they have alot to merge together different policies and procedures why not give them a chance to sort things out.well done 6aug i agree with you.the company need to make money to make big changes and make all there nuseries leapfrog it has only been a year and already alot has changed.some things maybe not for the good but if people talk out and say why these changes are not working then the big people at head office will know if there employees dont let them know then how do you expect things to change give nord anglia time to adjust sort things out make progress it does not happen over night all those who work for the company keep going they need your support and not people slatting the company

leapfrog employees - 17-09-05 17:37

by: poshbird

I agree it takes time and money....BUT NORD HAVE NEITHER TIME OR MONEY!!

I challenge the executives or Mr Whip himself to go BACK TO THE FLOOR (BBC2) and see what it is really like working for a week in a nursery facing the daily problems we are up against for the minimum wage.

IS ANYONE AT THE TOP UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

leapfrog employees - 18-09-05 10:46

by: Stephy

I DEFINATLY SECOND THAT CHALLENGE!

I understand that unless people are told what it is like they won't know what it is like working in the heart of the nursery. Maybe it would help those at the top to go through a week in our lives, similaly though we dont know what they are doing. Maybe a role reversal for a week is actually what is needed to understand each others roles!

leapfrog employees - 18-09-05 18:11

by: lisa boniface

To you all
Surely if you are all really that unhappy then you all know what to do.Stop the moaning and move on elswhere, i am sure you all think that the grass is greener!!!!!

leapfrog employees - 18-09-05 20:36

by: jule

I have sat and read these messages from the begining for the past hour or so. And I cannot understand why with such poor condition apparent for the children that no one has contacted OFSTED.
They need to be made aware of the apparent disgusting conditions these children and babies are being cared for in. As responsible adults we must protect these children not big companies.

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 09:39

by: poshbird

to LISA JAYNE

Wish me luck - I am going for an interview this morning!

I will leave Leapfrog when I can but some of us have Mortgages etc.....!

I leave and so will others .....the care provided to the children will only deteriorate more.

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 16:51

by: joshuajones

Asquith Court merged with Gatehouse nurseries in the late 90's. As a result they doubled in size overnight. NOT ONE of their nurseries went through the difficulties that Nord Anglia are going through. The problems they are having are farcical and it just highlights BAD MANAGEMENT from the top. There is no excuse for the way staff are treated and for the way standards have fallen. Stop trying to make excuses.

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 17:51

by: Kraftykook

to joshuajones

I quite agree with you.

I too work for leapfrog but was previously a Jigsaw catering manager.

Just wish people would stop making excuses or passing the buck at mangerment level.
Surely there must be a line where we say enough is enough.

Trouble is NO-ONE listens to you.
We train, gain qualifications and then we we use the knowlegde to say this is not right NO-ONE listens.

I am a professional with many years experiance and I am not happy to be expected to work while breaking many health and safety regulations.

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 19:09

by: joshuajones

To Kraftykook.

It is a sad but sorry fact that no one ever listens, and that is what big companies rely on. Very few staff will be part of a union and therefore do not have any backing from anyone powerful. Pann is about as much use as a wet weekend and they have a no strike policy, private day nursery staff cannot be part of a union that is effective ie. Unison. Private companies know this and milk it. Staff will stay as they do have bills, mortgages etc and cannot just walk away. Also the majority of staff have a commitment to the children and families that they support and will not walk away for their sakes. However, despite all the critism these girls are getting for speaking out, good on them, because now people are listening, and hopefully you won't have to compromise your own careers for the negligence of your company. If something in your nursery goes wrong, you are on your own, sure as hell the company wont back you. Thats what the health and safety policy is for, to absolve the company in times of trouble. Watch your back if you are breaching health and safety regulations.

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 20:02

by: fed-up-parent

hi i am a worried parent whose child attends a leapfrog "we have such high standards" nursery.since leapfrog have taken over (used to be jigsaw) i have seen a high staff change over.i have been told by a member of staff that left a couple of months ago that the DM and senior staff were paying for the nappies out of their own pockets because the order had gone through and was not signed off on time.these girls work very hard and it is a shame that because all these people in head office think about are pound signs and company cars, why dont you try spending a bit more time listening to your workers because without them you would not have a buisness.

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 20:53

by: joshuajones

Worried parent

You are quite right without the Nursery Nurses and other Nursery staff there would be no business. But don't forget the other side of the coin, without you and your children there would be no business. You as parents have a louder voice than any staff, because the company does not want to lose your business, after all you pay them, as opposed to them paying staff who can be replaced. Voice your opinions, collectively as parents, you will be heard.

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 21:19

by: fed-up-parent

unfortunaly i have recently taken my child out of the nursery as ifelt the standards were dropping and that he could thrive somewhere else

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 21:25

by: Kraftykook

Yes,satff are easy to replace, from our nursery staff are leaving rapidly and are being replaced but good quality staff are hard to find and Leapfrog is beginning to get a bad repretation we are taking on staff that other people don't want.Not qualified, police checked can't be left what good is that to a nursery that is already understaffed.

What do we get told by our Ops Manager? Other nurseries are coping and so should you.
Well from this forum it is obvious that other nurseries are not coping.

So I shall say to:
Leapfrog/Nord Anglia listen to what is being said to you via Managers and this forum.
You have some good quality staff who are an asset to your company.
Bodies are easily come by but staff who care about their work practices are not.
Invest in your staff,this does not always have to be money,time and a open ear would often surfice.
Let this be a wake up call to you.There is only so much the little man on the street can take before he retaliates and i feel that the little man has had a belly full and is about to explode which will not be good for you.

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 23:26

by: Here we go again

Nord have taken on too much, When we were jigsaw we were better off, at least they actually cared about the children & staff not just about profit.We get our manager to order nappies cloths toilet rolls , hand towels before they run out so when the order is suppose to come the previouse stock has just finished but Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh no we have to wait a good 3 weeks after to get our stock. BRING BACK JIGSAW!!! On a final note I have to just add about Ms Tracey "Bleep" Storey " Ding dong the witch is going!!!!!!!!!!!!"

leapfrog employees - 19-09-05 23:50

by: Here we go again

Gyppo

Do you actually work for leapfrog/Nord what part did you not understand THEY HAVE TAKEN ON TOO MUCH TO SOON.
Helping them? How much help do you want us nursry nurses to do I already do 50 hrs a week for them & do I get paid for the extra 10 hrs NO. When nappies, cloths wipes washing up liquid, bread etc... run out are we the nursery nurses on a rubbish wage not buying the goods from our own pockets to then be told why are you doing that from your ops manager- well ops manager if you were signing off thr goods as & when you got them we wouldn't have too!!!
As for the poor souls up in Cheadle I feel sorry for them why should they have to up & move. Lets just hope Mr Whipp does a better job!
As for the companies problems would you like me to take out a loan to help them?!

leapfrog employees - 20-09-05 19:09

by: joshuajones

Time to leave

Don't look at the world through rose tinted glasses, Jigsaw too had its problems, my nursery were constantly struggling for nappies, wipes etc that never came because Jigsaw had not paid the bill !! However, in their defence they had financial troubles and they knew it, we were led to believe that Nord were financially stable and able to meet all their commintments. HA HA !! It is not necessarily that they took on too much too soon, but what they took on. Whoever advised them that Petits Enfants was a good buy needs to be certified, I would not have left my dog in one of their nurseries. They were poorly maintained, poorly resourced, the buildings were in an appalling state, it would have been obvious to anyone how much money would have to be spent on these buildings. I hope they manage to get rid, and if they do it will certainly make Mr Whipps job easier.

leapfrog employees - 20-09-05 20:05

by: Here we go again

Joshuajones

Ive been with "Jigsaw" for quite a few years & WE NEVER had prblems getting our supplies, but granted towards the end they were getting slack.
As for Petits Enfants Nord should never have gone there!! Glad to see the little sense that Mr CEO has is to get rid of them!

leapfrog employees - 20-09-05 20:53

by: hjw

Hi i work at one of the most crapist of old princess cristian nurserys and we are being sold oh dear was it meant to be a secret.21 nurseries are being sold may be then we can get cleaning stuff and toilet paper and also be treated better.Leap frog are a bad company and i've only been there a short time and i hate it so bad that i am already looking for a new job

leapfrog employees - 20-09-05 21:27

by: Winston Smith1

Can you imagine what would happen if some