AnonyMouse_25678

I was told that as long as the Level 3 was within ratio - the 2nd person did not need to be qualified. We are also a small setting but due to the age of the children we couldn't do it.

I was the same, my head was spinning with all the guidance which seemed to change by the minute. We only have 7 out of 28 return but those 7 are having a great time and parents have said their behaviour at home has improved. Just seeing them run in without a backward glance to their parents is reward enough. I certainly think i over thought stuff.

We have had a few children who cannot be in photo's so we take a whole group for that child and either stand them on the end so we can 'crop' or take two photos one with them in and one with them out that is then shared.

I include a 'Summary of policies' in the welcome pack advising parent's they can view the complete policies on our website, Tapestry or in a file in the foyer. Never seen a parent pick up the folder

I added mine to documents

Thanks louby lou - I didn't know they had that function

I'm not sure if I am being a really grumpy manager but I would be interested to see if anyone has banned staff wearing watches that display texts etc. I am finding that staff are regularly looking at their watches and then having a bit of a chat about a text or Facebook comment they have seen. I have a policy regarding phones, that they are kept in a locked cupboard and should only be accessed when they are on a break and they have to give the setting mobile number for emergency contact so wonder if this should include watches. I know I would have a backlash as they also record their 'steps' and do wonder if I am just being over sensitive - would really appreciate other's thoughts.

People used to boast that their child was potty trained, the earlier the better, now it almost seems the opposite. We are using Tapestry very successfully, we always did a daily blog anyway so I am just keeping that up and adding suggestions of activities. Getting some great parent/family feedback so at least Ofsted will be happy after this chaos

No I don't - it's hard but you have to put your 'business head' on - they cost the same to care for etc so should pay the same as everyone else. Last year I had 3 sets of twins and if I had offered a discount I would have lost even more money than I did. Whilst I agree it may be difficult for the parents nobody else would offer it, e.g play parks, restaurants, school etc. I don't offer a discount for siblings either for the same reasons.

I would recommend becoming a Community Interest Company as opposed to LTD Co. but it depends on why you are doing it. If you have a strong committee I would stay as you are assuming you are a registered charity. To change would mean new Ofsted - you old outcomes still show but when I took over our pre-school as our committee folded I had to go through re-registration, medical, interview etc which was expensive and stressful bearing in mind I had been the manager for 8 years. As a CIC you are still able to access grants etc which a LTD co can often no access and although you have to submit accounts to Companies House they are not as complicated as LTD Co accounts. We owned our building as a committee led and it wasn't a problem.