Strict Nurseries?

Strict Nurseries?

by: Lil Miss Purple - 14-03-13 12:36

I have worked in many Nurseries, and they have all varied on strictness. When I say strict I mean things like not being allowed to talk to other staff members during work hours (Unless it is about children/practice etc) not being allowed to babysit in your own time unless you sign documents. Strict social networking rules as well as discussing work in your own time (Ps I am not meaning discussing confidential matters, or about children, just stuff like "Oh we went to that park with the children, it was great fun" with a friend over coffee or something) Not being allowed to leave the room unless it is to use the bathroom. Management being very strict about time keeping, lunch breaks, Uniform. Even strictness on shoe colour on staff.

I have also worked in more laid back settings where it has been more friendly, girls chatting to each other as well as the children, popping into other rooms (ratios permitting of course) a slightly more laid back approach to uniforms. Being allowed to babysit and 'friend' parents on social networking sites as long as you respect cultures/wishes/feelings etc of everyone involved.

I personally think the laid back approach is best as if the girls are relaxed then they work well and are happier which reflects on the children.

Curious to what other people think.

I have met some individuals who prefer the strict approach with the Hitler management, and I am always curious why. Personally I think it makes a more stressful work enviroment which can then affect the children. I am all for rules, policies, proceedures being in place as we have to protect our little ones, they are our main priority and thier needs must always come first, but to have an almost bootcamp regime? What do you guys think?

by: Tiggy D

Happy staff make happy children. Relaxed staff make relaxed children. Uptight fearful staff make...etc

by: Lil Miss Purple

Totally agree ;)

by: me

the first nursery you descriobe is a good nursery the second can be dangerous. the best nurseries i know are stirct it isnt a playground for staff but they are also friendly. professional friendly is more than possible. 

by: Lil Miss Purple

But this Nursery wasn't friendly. At the second nursery there were professional boundaries, but it was laid back, as in the staff could talk to each other without repercussions. As I said, I am all for rules, policies and proceedures, and surely forbidding staff from discussing non confidential matters eg "It was a nice day so we took the children out" is taking things too far. Another factor, Nursery 1 has a major problem with staff turnover, Nursery 2 has had staff there for over 10 years and has survived many changes eg new owners etc.

by: bagpuss

It is about adhereing to professional boundaries and when I hear 'adult' conversations that means they are not doing what I pay them to do which is talk to and listen to the children. 1 staff member eight pre school good 2 staff members chatting 16 pre school doing what??

by: Mel

I work in a nursery like the second one, we our professional but work in a nice environment, the staff i work with have been their over 10 years. I wouldn't wish to work in the first one so can understand the high turnover. think middle ground as how can anyone be happy in that environment staff, children and in turn parents.

by: Kandy Flip

Totally agree with bagpuss. I work in a setting where many staff seem to prefer to talk with each other than with the children. They will use having one child in their general vicinity as an alibi for being there when really, their agenda is to chit-chat with a colleague. Very little 'tuning into' the world of children going on at times. They are at the height standing up to talk to another adult rather than being at the children's eye level.

And, yes, it annoys me immensely.

by: Lil Miss Purple

That would annoy me too Kandy flip. My problem is when a Nursery gets so strict that even when you are on time out doing folders you cannot converse (even about the work you are doing) I just think it is about respect. In a friendlier nursery I wouldnt take the mick and chat aimlessly away to my colleague whilst the children are virtually ignored, but at the same time I wouldnt want to be hauled up to the office for a telling off because whilst there was a lul I asked a colleague if she was ok or something. To me enviroment stands for a lot and I think the parents sense it when there is an unkind atmosphere. If I were a Manager I would have the attitude "I expect you to work, but I respect you as adults to know that if there is chatter, it's not all the time and it is appropriate, appreciate what you have, take the mick at your peril". I respect that staff are going to talk, as long as the children are respected, listened to and prioritised. Making a "No Talking" rule to me just gives an air of distrust.

Your Nursery sounds lovely Mel. A nice happy atmosphere with a boss who respests you and trusts you to do your work without crashing down the iron fist.

Sadly there will always be workers who will take liberties, where ever they work, but hopefully most of them soon find out Nursery work is not the easy ride they think it is ;)