Disappointing communication
Childminder setting closed due to Lorraine moving areas however several parent asked to be updated once they had seen the house on the market and there was no updates until suddenly we were given 4 weeks notice to find alternative childcare. Notice was given to parents when completion date had clearly been agreed. The last week of the business being open removal men were going in to the setting where the children were and parents were not notified . Children also came home very upset and distressed as they had to watch there toys being packed away with no explaination . The last 4 weeks there was no comms with parent or concerns from Lorraine if we had found new childcare and took no interest in the children. Handover emails and daily comms had incorrect children’s names on and our new nursery is still waiting for the funding to be handed over by Lorraine.
Staff were made redundant at the same time and lied to which is the second time this has happened with this business.
Parent have been left with finding new settings last minute due to the way this has been handled with a huge impact on the children feel very unsettled with all the instant change which they were not prepared for and instead watching out the windows at there toys being packed away.
Response from Lorraine
Responded
I am extremely disappointed by this review, particularly as it contains a number of inaccuracies which I feel compelled to address.
Firstly, parents were fully aware that our property was on the market, however, as anyone who has experienced the house-buying process will appreciate, a sale is never guaranteed until contracts have been exchanged. Once exchange took place and our move was legally confirmed, all parents were promptly issued with the full four weeks’ notice required under their childcare contracts. This was neither a sudden closure nor a failure to provide the agreed notice.
Regarding the removal work, this took place over just one and a half days, not throughout the final week as suggested. Removal staff did not enter or interfere with the children’s childcare areas. The children were supervised at all times, the items being removed were outdoor garden equipment, not the children’s indoor toys or learning resources. Removal staff did not at any time enter any area where children were playing. Unfortunately, I had not been informed in advance that the removal team would be attending that day.
I acknowledge that two children became upset during this period, which I sincerely regret. However, I do not accept the suggestion that their emotional wellbeing was disregarded. The children continued to receive care, reassurance and support throughout the transition. Our last day was lovely, and all children went home very happy and content, I received lovely messages from parents that evening confirming so.
The allegation that there was no communication with parents during the final four weeks is simply incorrect. I was personally present at the gate for daily handovers, responded to messages, provided transition documentation and remained actively involved in supporting the children and their families. To suggest that I took no interest in the children is both inaccurate and particularly disappointing.
I acknowledge that one email contained an incorrect child’s name. This was an unfortunate administrative error during an exceptionally demanding period, and not a reflection of the care, attention or commitment I have consistently shown to the children.
I have also personally liaised with receiving nurseries regarding the transfer of childcare funding. Funding arrangements have been addressed through the appropriate channels, and any outstanding administrative processes should not be misrepresented as funding being deliberately withheld.
Finally, I am also disappointed that this review includes references to staff redundancies and previous employment matters, which are entirely separate from the childcare provided to this family. I am aware that the reviewer maintains personal relationships with former members of staff; however, I do not believe that private employment matters or information obtained through third parties should form part of a public review of my childcare services. My priority has always been the wellbeing of the children in my care, and I believe reviews should be based on a family’s own direct experiences.
After 14 years in childcare, I take my professional responsibilities and reputation extremely seriously. I have cared for many children and families over the years, building positive relationships and receiving consistently excellent feedback.
I fully respect every parent’s right to express their experience, including disappointment. However, I equally believe that public reviews should be fair, balanced and factually accurate, particularly when they have the potential to damage someone’s professional reputation and livelihood.
I remain proud of the care I have provided, the relationships I have built and the professional standards I have maintained throughout my 14 year career. My longstanding record and the many positive experiences of families who have entrusted their children to my care speak for themselves.