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Report RE: pros and cons of working in a private nursery?
Original Post
RE: pros and cons of working in a private nursery? - 18-07-09 13:09
by: 'Old' Louise
I think we need a few more 'pros' on behalf of the private and voluntary sector. I have been really saddened by the experiences expressed in this post and, as someone who has experience across sectors would like to add some comments.
The private/voluntary sector can move much more quickly than local authority run provision. If you need something it can be ordered, if you need to change something, it can be changed. I have found working with local authority decisions makers frustrating and slow - not because of the people but because of the 'systems' and number of departments decisions have to pass through before anything happens.
I agree that the pay and conditions in the local authority are miles better than in the private sector and never pass up a chance to raise the unfairness of this. However, private settings do not have the benefit of subsidy from the taxpayer and have to meet their costs out of fee income. If the new single funding formula for nursery education funding recognises our need to pay our staff on a par with local authorities then perhaps we can begin to see some change, although I'm not holding my breath!!
Bad managers happen. It doesn't matter which sector you look at and I know of good and bad in private and local authority. If you want good then as a minimum you have to pay, respect and support them properly to be effective leaders who can inspire their team. In my local authority area we have some fantastic managers (and owners/committees) in the private and voluntary sector. People who go the extra mile to raise their qualifications, invest time in the staff and children and campaign constantly for better recognition of the professionalism of themselves and their colleagues. I don't believe we are unique in this area, it must be happening in other parts of the country.
So let's hear from those of you who work in fantastic settings. Tell us why it's fantastic and what's good about your leaders and colleagues. There will always be bits which could be better, but I believe that applies whatever the sector.
And yes, my children have all been in daycare settings and my grandchildren still are - and thriving on it.