Our own cubicles, though spacious, did not have doors or curtains up for 12 years. While we have always encouraged the children to respect each other's privacy, we feel it is only natural that children will be curious about each other, so any questions arising have been answered honestly and simply, and always reiterating the need for privacy.
But as a result of our Ofsted inspection last year we have had to provide private cubicles to 'protect the children's privacy and dignity'. This has been done at a substantial cost to our limited budget. What I would like to know is whether this is a national requirement and, if so, why has Nursery World used a photograph that quite clearly depicts (though we feel it quite natural and sociable) 'invasion of privacy'. If this is not a national requirement, then why have we just used valuable funding that had been earmarked for what we believe are far more important resources?
Janet Graham
Nursery manager
University of Teesside Day Nursery, Middlesbrough
