RedDragon Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 We are a small pre school governor run and loosing money.We are very rural which is the problem,I have gone from 4 staff now they want me to run on two and ditch the 2 year olds.Has anybody run on two staff?:(
Wildflowers Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 We did for many years. Now we are three. 1
lsp Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 Yes, we were always 2 staff. We accepted children from 2 years 6 months. We took up to 12 children and opened mornings during term time only. Those extra 6 months seem to make so much difference. 1
finleysmaid Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 2 staff is tricky...doesn't cover you for any training /illness/ etc why from 4 to 2?? have you looked at your business model carefully. Could you make cut elsewhere?? what are your numbers at the moment? What will you do when the 30 hours come in...will you offer and if so on what basis??
Guest Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 I have worked when there has been only 2 of us. Had to go in when not feeling great as no cover. I had to do all the setting up as packaway setting. Very very hard and if we hadn't have moved into the school to be able to open afternoons I think I would have left. Now there are 3 of us but that's because the children need walking round to the toilets.
Guest Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 I have worked when there has been only 2 of us. Had to go in when not feeling great as no cover. I had to do all the setting up as packaway setting. Very very hard and if we hadn't have moved into the school to be able to open afternoons I think I would have left. Now there are 3 of us but that's because the children need walking round to the toilets.
sunnyday Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 I have also worked with just 2 - but with a willing and qualified cover - she works with us now! It is doable but it is hard........ 1
lsp Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 We used to have a parent helper rota, in the days when parents actually wanted to help. We usually had one person who would become our regular and they provided any cover when needed. To be honest, they would be the ones that went on to do NVQS and eventually joined the staff team.
Guest Posted January 28, 2017 Posted January 28, 2017 Running a preschool or playgroup is getting harder and harder.... wejust want our children to learn and grow in a rich caring environment......but there are so many changes to take into account...emplyment law.....changes in eyfs and loads more..thank good ness for sites like this......
RedDragon Posted January 29, 2017 Author Posted January 29, 2017 Thanks all we have around 20 on role I think it is the two year olds that are harder I may suggest we have three staff in morning and then two in afternoons.
blondie Posted January 30, 2017 Posted January 30, 2017 Thanks all we have around 20 on role I think it is the two year olds that are harder I may suggest we have three staff in morning and then two in afternoons. it might be the best way - work the amount of children you have to your best advantage - 3 staff in the mornings when you can have 2 year olds as ratios tighter and agree to have only 3/4 yr olds in the afternoons as ratios are a bit easier with 2 staff. Try to encourage a parent to help in the afternoons - even if its a certain day of the week that is perhaps your hardest afternoon re children combination? 1
Rafa Posted January 30, 2017 Posted January 30, 2017 I have also worked with just 2 - but with a willing and qualified cover - she works with us now! It is doable but it is hard........ Glad to hear it's 'doable' sunnyday.........as that may have to be my new business model in the near future!! Arrrggghhh!, : ( 1
manor Posted January 30, 2017 Posted January 30, 2017 Hi RedDragon You are in a catch 22 situ, can you afford to stop taking 2yr olds who will stay with you and bring in money when their funding kicks in when 3, or is there enough 3yr olds in your area to keep you going? When we were opened we too were reluctent to take the 2yr olds, but if we didn't, then they would just go to the other preschools around us and then when they all the 3yr olds eventually left to go to school we would have had no children coming up to replace them. I would definately try and keep all staff, as they are your best assets and it would be unfair to the children not to have that adult imput and surely they deserve the best. We all know, even when you are in ratio, you can never have too many staff- in my fantasy childcare world of course. 4
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