Nursery school

My son started Monday too and it was just about the same. The first day was his keyworker and every day after that it's been another teacher. I just quickly ask at the door has everything been okay. I think at the end of the school day all the kids are waiting to go home so they don't want to keep them waiting any longer. I know at my sons nursery they have all the kids sitting in an area and call them out one by one as they see the parent outside. So the teachers are normally trying to stop the kids running out 😂 for the accident thing I just check my sons bag. If his spare trousers are still in his bag then he's had no accidents. And as far as other parents have said it's no news is good news. If there was an issue they'd be sure to pull you aside and address it

@Daniella if I don't know when she last went to the toilet I don't know when she needs to go again. I pick her up at lunch time & most kids stay all day so there's hardly anyone else there at pickup, they're not dealing with a massive crowd at the end of the day.

Ours started Tuesday, her teacher has been at pick up and drop off, but it was the case of literally hello-goodbye. Absolutely no information about her day, even though yesterday the teacher had to peel off her my leg to take her in while she was kicking and screaming (she has a hard time with transitions and new places). I think it’s pretty normal unless something major happens.

I would just ask when you pick her up. Even if it's not her keyworker they are all there with them all day. I've only spoken to my sons keyworker once. So whenever I ask it's a different teacher. I'd just say I'm just wondering how she's getting along. Is she doing okay. And generally I think if she's happy being there and wants to go again then it means she's had a good day. And for the toilet thing when you take her in tomorrow just ask if when you pick her up they can let you know when she last used the toilet. My sons nursery normally takes them in small groups every hour or so but then they're also allowed to go to the toilet whenever they need it.

2 part reply (my son has been going since 18months). Yes very normal for it not to be the actual key worker at handover for pick up. It is also common for them to want to hand over quickly as they may be struggling with ratio within the room during handover time as it's 1:8. The person handing over should however be able to answer simple questions such as what eaten and toileting.

If it really worries you then I would maybe ask if they can fill out a little book everyday for the first month to set your mind at rest, is there no toilets on the way out or maybe you can ask them to make sure she has a wee just before you are set to collect. I’ve worked in nurseries for over 20 years and the most difficult time to give hand overs is the lunch time leavers as you still have all the other children there and they are probably trying to get them ready for lunch. At age three the ratio is 1-8 and their is usually a good 14 in a pre-school so when one member of staff is giving hand overs that leaves a lot of children for the others to cope with, 3 year olds are also not fun 🤣

It would’ve been nice if her key worker got to spend the first week with her to help her settle but holidays/sickness happens. I’ve got a 1 year old and 3 year old in nursery and we have an app called Tapestry where they log all food, naps and nappies (for one year old). They don’t track toilet for the older ones but on pick up I will just ask if he can go for a wee before we go. They also put a comment on there about what they’ve been up to that day. I’d have expected them to give you some reassurance the first week, and actively give you time to ask questions but again, difficult over lunch with ratios. You’re not a worried parent, it’s totally normal to want to know she’s taken care of! And I expect they’ve had 1000x worse than anything you’re asking. Permission to go full mama bear and ask the questions to get the reassurance you need! If you feel shut down asking your questions, email them and tell say you’d appreciate if they could give you a couple of minutes at pickups

With us they always give information about his day. My son does extended care so when we pick him up it is different teachers who hand him over that have not been with him all day, but even they give me information about his day (because the key teacher does the handover to the extended care and then they give it to me). Although how accurate it is who knows…apparently he always had a great day and ate very well 😀 you should take your time and ask questions..don’t be pressured to leave quickly

Hey I work in school and this completely normal. Unfortunately key workers won’t always be at the door because usually there’s 2 adults in the class and one has to be inside whilst the other is at the door. Even during the class, it’s not only your key worker that works with your child… she probably has 10/15 other key children she’s working with (if it’s a big class). So if you have questions, it’s better to just ask whoever is at the door. My son’s key worker is rarely there at pick ups to be honest.