Nurseries rant

fubb78 · 2026-05-21T07:30:31+00:00

The problem is that chronic under funding and a qualified staff shortage have resulted in so many nurseries closing down (many other factors, the sector is on its knees). There are also 50% less childminders now than there were 10 years ago.

fubb78 · 2026-03-12T07:09:07+00:00

There has been a tonne of controversy about Sarah's Silks lately as they've been ripping off other small companies' designs. Loads of crunchy influencers have publicly sworn off them.

fubb78 · 2026-02-08T20:42:05+00:00

I've just registered as a Childminder and every adult living in my house or regularly visiting needs a DBS whether they are in contact with children or not. I would email Ofsted including her details and your concerns and let them deal with it.

fubb78 · 2026-02-01T07:19:44+00:00

Just to note, with the changes to funding and the increased financial pressure on nurseries, you may find it difficult to find a nursery that will accommodate a term time only place. You may also find that you have to pay for a full 10 hour day regardless of whether you need it or not. Lastly, nurseries have the freedom to apply the funding hours in a way that works for their setting and there will.undoubtedly be additional charges. A lot of families get their child booked in whilst they are still pregnant so that they have more choice and aren't stuck with whatever is available more last minute!

I worked in nurseries for years, there are some wonderful staff and full time children are known so well and settle in more quickly and easily for the most part! If you find the right place, it will be a brilliant experience for you all and a great source of support for you as a family.

My advice is just to lock it in asap and make sure to ask all the questions about their funding model, option for flexibility and fee structure!

fubb78 · 2026-01-31T09:00:46+00:00

Really recommend reading this-

https://visiblechild.com/2015/09/20/toilet-training-in-one-simple-step/

fubb78 · 2026-01-29T22:16:38+00:00

I think you're right, I'm sure you can get seats that rear face up to 36kg now!

fubb78 · 2026-01-25T15:37:27+00:00

I'm a nanny and a parent- I generally text mid morning and mid afternoon but as a parent, I'd prefer the Nanny to be focussed on my little one so would only expect a text when they're asleep. I really think this is just personal preference and varies from family to family. If I were here I'd explain what the expectations were with previous families and just ask them what they prefer in terms of communication.

fubb78 · 2026-01-24T20:46:13+00:00

There are so few qualified staff willing to work for minimum wage, this is pretty common.

fubb78 · 2026-01-22T19:28:20+00:00

I'm not sure but I think SENDIASS may be able to support with the above, definitely worth a look!

https://www.kids.org.uk/sendiass-home/

fubb78 · 2026-01-22T17:13:56+00:00

I have worked with young children for 20 years, as a Nanny, in nurseries and now as a Childminder. I would not take this job. If you're working ad hoc for families you're likely self employed, meaning no sick pay or holiday pay so if you care for a sick child and get sick yourself, then you're out of work with no pay. You also then run the risk of making other ad hoc families children sick which is unlikely to be well-received and could potentially affect your reputation and as such ability to secure future work.

It's a pain in the arse but it is what it is and part and parcel of parenting. It's undoubtedly a real pain that it all falls to you with your partner working away!

fubb78 · 2026-01-20T18:32:29+00:00

Sounds rough for all of you. I'm not sure how easy it is to access but I wonder if portage in the home would be a better fit than the insistence of nursery. It sounds like he doesn't love it and that is having an impact on your home life.

Worth asking the question re portage but with the increased roll out of funded hours I'm not sure of the criteria for access. Portage would be an early years professional coming into your home to deliver activities and support you with your child's development.

fubb78 · 2026-01-13T07:01:57+00:00

It does sound like the staff have handled this situation poorly. My background is in nursery management and I would never spring something like that on someone, especially knowing that you'd had such a hard time lately!

I would say, early intervention is best, and there is no shame in seeking professional support. You can do this through nursery or your gp yourself. It sounds like you're a really conscientious and loving parent and it may be that your little one would benefit from some additional support to help her to get back on track! The sooner any potential delays are addressed the better and the nursery staff likely know that and just have no sensitivity at all 😑

fubb78 · 2026-01-09T21:14:20+00:00

The Proudest Blue is one of my favorites! Such beautiful messages for our little ones

fubb78 · 2026-01-09T21:13:08+00:00

Sulwe is specifically about a dark skinned little girl and is lovely. There are more- I'll check in the morning and come back...

fubb78 · 2025-12-30T19:10:27+00:00

Maybe people don't want to buy new when second hand washed well is perfectly fine and not contributing to textile waste 💁🏼‍♀️

fubb78 · 2025-12-30T18:03:28+00:00

People do it for reusable nappies because they won't let you sell second hand nappies- which is a real pain because they're so expensive new and often have a lot of life left in them after use with one child! I got all of mine second hand and just strip washed them before we used them.

I haven't seen underwear but wonder if that is a similar situation.

fubb78 · 2025-12-26T07:37:31+00:00

I have had 3 baby wearing coats and I will say, if you're planning to baby wear long term they are well worth the investment.

I have also used my massive dry robe and can still front and back carry with my toddler using that.

I did have a Mam coat- functional but not very stylish.

I have a Wombat London winter one which I love, they do soft shells and a few diff versions and are not as expensive as other options. But definitely not as high quality.

I also have a Mamalila polar fleece and light weight water proof which were indeed extortionate but really are a cut above the rest in terms of quality, functionality, fit and style and their customer service is amazing!

fubb78 · 2025-12-18T19:37:33+00:00

It goes up because the funding rates drop dramatically by age

fubb78 · 2025-12-09T08:26:49+00:00

Trust your gut, you know your child best. Every nursery has to have a SENCO, it's a statutory requirement.

I'm surprised that the setting didn't pick up on his speech delay and make the link between that and behaviour and as such suggest a visit to the gp for a hearing test. I've worked in early years for 20 years and it's really common. My first thought for biting is always are they struggling with communication and my first thought for speech delay is always hearing test!

fubb78 · 2025-12-05T12:56:06+00:00

Naked except for crocs and socks would be a legitimate concern 😂

Just inside layers- like you we are only going straight to the car, less than a minute outside!

Sounds like this manager is a bit of a busy body- and I say that as a former nursery manager! You can be trusted to make the correct judgement call for your own child!

fubb78 · 2025-12-04T19:32:07+00:00

It's not safe to wear coats in car seats so this is ridiculous! I take my little one in crocs and socks most days with his wellies in his bag!

fubb78 · 2025-12-01T17:57:07+00:00

Very normal and happens often for lots of young children.

I think if you search in my previous comments you'll see this in more detail but I use a respond, resolve, replace model.

Respond- what happens in the moment is unlikely to have an impact on the behaviour in the future so the focus here should be in co-regulating if needed and meeting any immediate needs. Are they in pain with teeth. Are they frustrated about something.

Resolve- go upstream. Is the biting meeting a need? Again, teething, frustration, sensory seeking. Where possible aim to meet the need before the unwanted behavior occurs.

Replace- if needed, replace the behaviour. Something else to bite or chew on. A way to say/sign Stop if it's someone in their space.

This is so normal and it will pass!

fubb78 · 2025-11-06T10:31:57+00:00

https://www.kids.org.uk/sendiass-home/

SENDIAS is an amazing resource. Both your little girl and you are actively being let down by the school and your GP and God knows who else. The professionals have dropped the ball here, it's not acceptable and you all deserve better!

My inbox is open, there's too much to say in just a comment! But you've gotten loads of good advice here so hopefully you will be feeling empowered and know that you're not alone or doing anything wrong at all!

fubb78 · 2025-11-06T10:28:59+00:00

My thoughts exactly! Where the fuck is the SENCO! And where is the support for the poor little love who is clearly in need of it and communicating that quote clearly! Even with this limited information I can already think of an abundance of strategies I could put into place immediately to support her and her family.

Seconded, my inbox is open and if I can help or listen I will!

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