I think I might just blow my lid

[narnia]

had a message from a parent tonight that the committee of my premises were at a local pub having a meeting tonight and the main topic of conversation was my setting and how they can get us out of the building.( so nice and loud apparantly, discussing my finances etc..................so people could hear) One of the ruses they will use is to ask for the rent, in hopes that I will say no, i have used the money to rebuild fences. They will then accuse me of withholding rent and give me notice to quit. They are worried because I gave them a big lump of money to help with refurbishments to the building when we moved in and they can't repay it . I am really not sure how much more of this stuff I can take right now.Advice

[dreamgirl]

Big drink. Loud music. Chocolate. Then think......is it really worth all this heartache? I bet there are loads of people out there who would appreciate you as you deserve. Time for change?

Life's too short. Embrace change. Easy to say, I know, but surrounding yourself with negative people just saps you. Spread your love and talents to another place/setting/group of people.

Edited August 26, 2014 by dreamgirl

[Melba]

So sorry, that's really awful.

Have you had problems in the past? We had problems like this which were only finally solved by moving into the local school.

Is there any possibility of a change of location? I know that our LA has to support settings that are facing these problems, although the value of that help varies a lot.

[narnia]

no, we have nowhere else to go locally. If I close it, I retire.

[sunnyday]

Oh no - how awful - you must feel as though the whole world is against you

Did this parent manage to overhear why they want you to leave?

[narnia]

Yes, largely to do with the Ofsted debacle and the need for new fencing/security measures. They don't want to pay for it and I can't afford to ( though I have) and they have decided we are more trouble than we're worth.

[sunnyday]

Oh I wish i could swear (just use your imagination)

So - how did that work - what was the agreement when you put the new fencing up - was it that you paid for it and they would 'repay' you?

How reliable is the parent who passed on this info to you - is it likely to have been exaggerated - or are you certain he/she would be completely accurate in what was discussed?

[zigzag]

I cannot begin to know what to say to you but I feel your pain. Just sat here after reading your latest post and wondering in any other professions are people expected to put up with so much B******t for so little money AND YET CARE SO PASSIONATELY??

I hope you manage to resolve this I really do. xxxx

[tish501]

Hi Narnia...sorry to hear this.Breathe... would you mind telling me whereabouts u r ...forum members may be able to help if u have to( or want to ) relocate,But if it is true...please be strong.....having to work each day does not help...I find all things have to wait until weekend when so important...Virtual hug on way.....think u need one from all of us..xx

[SueJ]

Oh Narnia I am so sorry to hear this - I wish I had something more constructive than a virtual hug to offer and so agree with Zigzag's sentiments.

Have you thought about contacting your LA - it could be that if you were to lose your premises it might cause problems for them in providing enough early years places and it could prompt them to proffer some kind of help.

Also are you a member of the PSLA or the NDNA who might be able to offer you some sort of advice.

Do you have any access to free legal advice to check out the terms of your tenancy?

If you were to have to close how much of a stink would your parents and less snake like members of your community make?

The livelihoods of your staff team are also at stake - don't shoulder this on your own - can you talk to them and get their support?

An alternative path which is just to say to **** with it all and (if what your parent says it true) give the committee a little something to choke on by asking them to discuss their meeting with you face to face - just shows how cowardly and snake like they all are holding meetings behind your back. You might feel inclined to let other premises users know how the committee conduct their affairs too - they won't be much of a committee if they have no income to sustain their premises

Now where is my steaming emoticon

 

 

[eyfs1966]

I do feel for you. We had a similar situation with our landlord (church) who also decided that there might be easier "users" of the space, and, to cut a long story short, we have now an absolute date by which we will have to leave. Leaving for us also means closing as there are no other suitable premises available.

 

Its sad, but there is literally nothing we can do, except ride it out to the end......

I can only imagine how for you this feels like the final straw..

[louby loo]

Can't ink of anything to say that others haven't already said

 

I've been in that situation too, although I didn't own the setting. Not nice.

I would ask for a face to face meeting though- and ASAP. You need to get it clear from a direct source first.

[sunnyday]

 

I would ask for a face to face meeting though- and ASAP. You need to get it clear from a direct source first.

That's my feeling too - tackle it head on - just like you have with Ofsted - i am sending you loads of positive vibes.......

[Panders]

We had this years ago, we rented rooms in an old church house. The church had a very modern hall next to it, but when the church community said they wanted to refurbish/develop the house, they would not let us use the hall in the mean time, they kept maintaining they wanted a nursery, in the church house, turns out they didn't want us! We found the premises we are now in, with fantastic landlords, who put up fencing etc at their own cost, and the church? They started their own group in our old refurbished rooms!

 

get things straight with your hall committee, but don't expect too much compassion Narnia .

 

I was so to read this latest turn of events, something we said early on - Ofsted have no idea the repercussions of their decisions on privately owned or charity run groups

 

Lastly, sending hugs you sooooo deserve a change in fortune soon

Edited August 27, 2014 by Panders

[Guest]

I really feel for you Narnia nothing like kicking you when you are down I really really hope things get better soon xxxxxx

[Fredbear]

Narnia, I have just read this and need to scream, shout and holler. I hope to return with some constructive suggestions.

But for now a great big hug.:)x

[narnia]

I have just come off the phone to Lawcall, who say if it is a like for like repair, it's fine. If it's an improvement then my landlord might have a case. The chap suggested I could just cut the height back to it's original line. That of course, defeats the object. Just struggling now with what to do. I have written to the LEA to ask for help. The Lawcall chap also suggested i ask Ofsted if there is a definate height the fence must be...........I have already done that and no, there isn't. Ever felt like you've been cornered by a pack of wolves?????

[Guest]

is it worth going back to ofsted (I know, I know, <shakes head> it won't change anything but at least you can vent and make them aware of the wider reaching impact of poor inspections) and telling them this and the impact (loss of jobs, small community, provision for children lost etc)

I know you won't want to, but hi-light to them your recent fight for your health and the impact that this 'stuff and nonsense' is having - make them feel bad/small (though that might be difficult as they don't appear to have a conscience!)

time for the papers/MP or some sort of bigger voice to support you Narnia

 

could you take it as a sign to step back/retire and put yourself first for a change...maybe childmind so you are still in contact with children and use some of your team - goes against the grain and I'm certainly not suggesting you give in and not fight but I'm worried for your health/stress levels/well being

 

do you have a confidentiality agreement/code of conduct with your committee- surely it can't be ethical to discuss these matters at the pub!

 

Don't let the buggers grind you down if it's not what you want - have the committee meeting asap and make sure parents know of their ethics!

 

huge hugs and strength coming your way x

[Guest]

They are worried because I gave them a big lump of money to help with refurbishments to the building when we moved in and they can't repay it

 

and get your money back!

[eyfs1966]

Have you spoken directly to the committee about this...have they actually objected to the fence height? What do they want? What would they agree to ?

 

Try to stay calm...after all surely things can only get bettter ?

[narnia]

ok, no, not going to mention my health. I don't fight dirty

I will definately know how this has impacted on my setting though

No, if we close, we close. I wouldn't consider staying in childcare, as things like this can just jump up and bite you again and again, depending on the inspector you get. As I have seen, even one who has ok'd something previously can then decide it's not good enough at a later date.

No, discussing my tenancy at the pub was far from ethical, it could have a direct impact on the setting, so I shall be letting them know that I have heard about it.

Yes it would be nice to get the money back, but I suspect they don't have it

Yes, the committee have objected, it's too high apparantly

I have decided not to update this thread any more as I am in danger of becoming boring, or having you all think I am off my tree.

Thank you for all the support to date. Fingers crossed that all will be well x

[eyfs1966]

Narnia, you are not going to drive us bonkers, but f for your sake you need to stay of this forum, then I respect that. However, please do come back at some point and let us know the final outcomes....please! Fingers and toes crossed that you can get the resolution you need.

 

Best wishes

xxxxx

[narnia]

:blink: I have just come off the phone to the Investigating officer, who has gone through all the paperwork and files. This is a new investigating officer, because the other one felt we had become entrenched and couldn't move forward. This one says, having considered all the evidence and agreeing that there was a fundamental misunderstanding, she is prepared to remove the Actions and re-grade us as GOOD, subject to confirmation with her superiors. I have until Monday to make a decision. I said it will leave us never knowing if we'd have got Outstanding, so she said it's my choice. I can accept ( if it is definately on the table), or decline it and we'll get the re-inspection within a year, but obviously the Requires Improvement will stand. Nightmare........

[Panders]

Narnia, this isn't boring, you can see by the number of posts you get back and views that. People are interested and are willing you on, we are, I suspect, all thinking, "how much more of this hideous situation you find yourself in, can you stand".

 

Try to fight on, and then if at some point in the future you make the decision to retire on your own terms so be it, but don't be pushed out by all of this. the stress must be immense I am sure, please look after yourself.

[narnia]

Panders, did you just read the post above yours??????????????????????????

[dreamgirl]

Take the good.i think I'm right in saying it wouldn't happen like this in a school. Just be allowed to change grading without a reinspection. Take it. Then you can move on.

Edited August 28, 2014 by dreamgirl

[sunnyday]

:blink: I have just come off the phone to the Investigating officer, who has gone through all the paperwork and files. This is a new investigating officer, because the other one felt we had become entrenched and couldn't move forward. This one says, having considered all the evidence and agreeing that there was a fundamental misunderstanding, she is prepared to remove the Actions and re-grade us as GOOD, subject to confirmation with her superiors. I have until Monday to make a decision. I said it will leave us never knowing if we'd have got Outstanding, so she said it's my choice. I can accept ( if it is definately on the table), or decline it and we'll get the re-inspection within a year, but obviously the Requires Improvement will stand. Nightmare........

Woohoo! Fantastic news - I am delighted for you - so what are you going to do?

[Joanne123]

Brilliant news. Will you accept? I think I would...

[Pimms o'clock?]

This is totally my view on the situation, please ignore me if I'm talking out of turn, I know you will make the choice that sits best with you. Difficult choice to make and not fair that you are being put in this position.

Rock and a hard place maybe; fight on, take a risk and hang in for an outstanding or take the good, get back/keep your free entitlement funding and know you have time on your side to make sure you work towards the outstanding for next time. I know which option I would take, not just because its the easiest route but because I would be thinking of the families I would loose without the funding.

GOOD LUCK

Edited August 28, 2014 by Pimms o'clock?

[Guest]

whey hey!!!! Bravo for some common sense - I wonder if the investigating inspector will sprinkle it around :-) get the offer in writing or even in an email

what's going through your mind as the offer sinks in?

the new outcome offer is going to give the committee something to dither over!