Opinion: In my view - Look at the good practice
Tracey Osborn, owner and manager of Jolly Giraffes Day Nursery,
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Many childcarers will have watched the BBC's 'Whistleblower' expose with a sigh of resignation that their abilities, dedication and commitment are being questioned again. The programme unfolded with dramatic music and built up to a crescendo preying on parental guilt.
No one should excuse the negligence of the nursery manager for failing to check their potential employees, or their blatant lack of regard for ratios. Staff should be fully aware of safety and potential hazards at all times, and ensure they treat children with respect and care.
However, the programme insinuated that this shoddy practice was commonplace. How many nurseries did this reporter infiltrate before obtaining enough evidence for her damning condemnation? Three years ago there was another similar programme - an expose of awful practice and a brief glossing-over of unnamed nurseries that displayed sound practice.
Something should be done to redress the balance. None of our parents commented on 'Whistleblower', which I believe illustrates that they are secure in the knowledge that their children receive the highest possible level of care and education at our setting.
I am incredibly lucky to have a dedicated staff team who offer so much to the children. They make the environment stimulating and inviting. They plan fun, educational activities that stem from the children's own interests.
Our commitment was recognised in our last Ofsted report, when we received an 'outstanding' for part of it. The inspector spent virtually all her time talking to the children and staff, contrary to the impression of inspections given in the programme.
Let's hope that one day a more positive view of private nurseries will be shown. We should not all be tarred with the same shoddy brush.
