Teesside nurseries facing pressure due to staffing and funding issues
There are hopes for changes to the industry to help address waiting lists
We're hearing about the difficulties nurseries across Teesside are facing due to staffing and funding issues.
It comes as many reopen following the summer break with thousands of babies and toddlers getting looked after and educated while parents are working.
Michelle Sheekey, director of The Montessori People, an independent nursery school based in Thornaby, said: "We've got waiting lists. It's a really difficult industry at the moment. There's a massive staffing issue nationally throughout this industry and it's tough. It's a really difficult, really difficult industry and it's a difficult time for parents.
"It's recruitment and staffing. I've got I think nearly 40 staff and I could take another 10 staff tomorrow easy and then that would open up more spaces. We won't open up any more spaces until we get more staffing because we won't cut corners and we won't increase the child to staff ratio at all.
"There is a massive waiting list I think right across the board for any nursery and it's a difficult industry. I think people don't realise how hard it is. I do feel for parents at the minute because they're stuck and they can't go to work unless they've got nursery space and you know so it is really difficult. We are managing it because I'm really good at planning into the future.
"We've got people waiting sort of, they're coming in to us now pregnant, not born, the baby's not born and they're getting the name down then. So we've just got baby so and so without knowing what the name is or what the date of birth is. Parents are actually starting to panic so we've got waiting lists for sort of six months, seven months in.
"The industry's got a bad reputation. We interview people that come from other settings and we hear what goes in there. I don't think some staff are treated how they should be. They'll be left with a load of children or they've got to cut corners and I think people don't realise how difficult it is looking after children.
"It's a really hard job and it's a really important job. They could be left with a lot of responsibility and they're not prepared for it. The pay is a massive thing because, the nurseries are not given enough funding to cover the pay, and because the Government have now changed all the funding criteria, we can't charge parents. It's taking away the charge potential from parents, so the salary is just above living wage or living wage.
"People just don't want to work in the industry. It's like the care industry, I think. There's a lot of them with bad reputation and then the responsibility and what goes on in these places. But if you find the right setting and an employer who is going to sort of work with you to find your potential and this progression there, well, great.
"When you work with children and you've had a part in helping them achieve a milestone, you can't describe the feeling as a teacher to be able to think, I've had a part in that and seeing the different personalities. It is so rewarding to see if you've taken part in that child's progression, getting that child ready for school.
"I'm recruiting so if anybody wants to come and sort of apply for a job in my nursery please feel free to send your CV through or you know we'll take you through your qualifications, because of my belief in qualifications, you don't have to be qualified we will take you through that training if we spot something special in you we will get that out of you."