Your Opinion: Letters

THE QUESTIONS RAISED

Not only was I appalled by the practice seen in all the settings on the 'Whistleblower' programme, I couldn't believe that a member of the BBC would knowingly place children at risk by working in a nursery when she held no relevant qualifications, experience or real passion for childcare. While I understand the motives behind the nature of the programme, was the potential risk to the children really worth it?

Did parents not see the conditions of the rooms on a daily basis? Surely they were concerned about the practice and care before the undercover investigations?

I truly feel that in every profession, you will get individuals who do not fully believe in the value of their role, hence the need for one professional to literally blow the whistle!

The one good message that came through is that Ofsted now need to get their act together. We look to Ofsted to give us recognition through rigorous, consistent and unfailing assessment.

I manage a good and professional nursery where we follow strict procedures to ensure the children's well-being and security is at the forefront of everything we do. Many of my conversations following the screening of 'Whistleblower' were with parents and carers who had seen that poor daycare still exists. My team were angry at how the bad practice of those highlighted reflects poorly on an industry which is striving to raise standards and meet new challenges.

Luckily, my nursery parents have no concerns with the care we provide and are thankful that their children are well cared for. After watching the programme, I take this as the biggest compliment. I will continue to push on and to regularly improve the quality of our care and education.

Tracey Gurney, manager, Tonbridge Nursery, Kent

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START WITH TRAINING

'Whistleblower' raised issues that need to be addressed.

As a manager of a day nursery, with 15 years experience and a NNEB diploma, I have just started my NVQ level 4 with the intention of moving straight on to the foundation degree. I was shocked and horrified to find students on the course who didn't run any kind of team and had only been qualified to a level 3 qualification for less than a year. I also found out that a student who has not yet passed her CACHE diploma has the option of doing her foundation degree in September. She has had no experience of working in a nursery, but is able to do a managerial qualification!

After discussions with some of my staff, we feel that most of the problems highlighted in the programme lie with training, or rather lack of training. Maybe the issues that should be addressed are how we stop inappropriate training?

Also, staff ratios are paramount to children's care and safety, and should be kept to. New staff should not be left unsupervised with any children at any time. In my nursery, all rooms have a list of staff CRB checks and when a new check comes through, the staff are informed of it. All staff are aware that no new staff must be unsupervised until they are told by me that the CRB check is through. However, in my nursery no staff member is left to look after the children on their own. This not only safeguards the children in our care but also my staff.

Name and address supplied

LOTS TO BE PROUD OF

I do not think 'Whistleblower' will have a lasting effect on the market, or cloud parents' judgement of their child's setting. In every industry you have 'rogue traders'. Childcare is no different. You will always have one company that is lax and does not put the welfare of children first.

I thought it was interesting to see Ofsted getting bad press. I have for years had my concerns over the value of the inspection process and questioned how a thorough investigation can be completed so quickly. You only have to read through two or three inspection reports to see the inconsistencies.

Childcarers - be confident in your own abilities and stand proud!

Sian Nisbett, nursery director, Dizzy Ducks Day Nursery, Essex SEND YOUR LETTERS TO ...

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