Author: David Porter BA (Hons)
September 2002
In June 2002, questionnaires were distributed to the parents and guardians of the children attending Brambley Cottage Day Nursery Limited. The eleven questions contained in the survey covered areas such as the premises, staff, meals, toys and equipment, cleanliness and information. Out of the 120 questionnaires distributed to all parents/guardians, 75 were returned giving a return rate of 62.5%. This independent report summarises the findings of the survey. It should be read in conjunction with the graphs on pages 5-9 which illustrate the results.
47 of the 75 (62.7%) respondents considered the premises to be ‘excellent’ while 24 (32.0%) considered them to be ‘very good’. Comments made by the respondents who ticked ‘excellent’ included “The nursery is bright, stimulating and welcoming”; “wonderful design, so much better than converted houses with stairs etc”; and “cannot fault premises, first thing that drew me to the nursery”. Only 4 (5.3%) respondents considered the premises to be less than very good and their comments related to security issues and the open plan of the premises.
37 of the 75 (49.3%) respondents believed the safety and security of the premises to be excellent while 29 (38.7%) believed it to be very good. Both of the respondents who ticked ‘could improve’ expressed concern over the key pad entry code and suggested that it be changed regularly. This was a view echoed by 6 other respondents. Another common concern was that of the gates being left open. It was however recognised that this is the responsibility of the parents and that there are notices on display asking parents to close them. One respondent suggested that security is “mainly due to good parent/staff relationships than anything else”. Another respondent suggested having spring gates with a higher lock so that children cannot open them. Five respondents expressed concerns over traffic and Hessle school parents using the nursery car park and blocking the entrance. One stated that “they are usually rushing and not observing small children being around”.
50 of the 75 (66.7%) respondents believed the transparent nature of the layout and running of Brambley Cottage to be ‘excellent’ while 18 (24.0%) believed it to be ‘very good’. The open plan was described by respondents as being “inviting and not threatening for children and parents” and “reassuring”. 2 respondents ticked ‘could improve’ to the open plan design. Of these, one commented that the main corridor is too narrow and often congested while the other felt that the layout of the baby room could be better. Another respondent remarked on the lack of privacy to a child being nappy changed or using the toilet and another suggested that a designated breast feeding area would be welcome.
All of the 75 people who completed the survey agreed that they found the nursery nurses at Brambley Cottage to be warm, friendly, professional and caring. Of the 75 respondents, 50 (66.7%) agreed strongly with the statement. One of these stated “I am 100% confident in the staff at Brambley Cottage. I feel that they all work extremely hard and do a fantastic job – my daughter never wants to leave when I pick her up!”. Another considered the staff to be “one of the main reasons why I have always been so pleased with the nursery”. Other respondents described the nurses as being “enthusiastic and approachable”; “very friendly and helpful”; and “exceptional”. However, one respondent criticised the staff for trying to make life “easy for themselves” by letting the child sleep when asked not to and another respondent expressed concerns over staffing levels first thing in the morning.
Of the 72 people who gave an opinion on meals 70 (97.2%) agreed that they are happy with the quality and quantity of meals, food and drink. One of the respondents who had occasionally been present around lunchtime remarked “everything looks spotless and the children obviously enjoy the food”. Another respondent stated “I wish I could eat here!”. There were however 2 people who disagreed with the statement. One of these remarked that “my child regularly comes home still very hungry”. This respondent suggested that more discussion with parents about the food would be useful. The other person who disagreed with the statement expressed concern over the nutrition of the menu, criticising it for containing chips and spaghetti hoops and suggesting that more fruit and vegetables be provided. However, another respondent stated that there is an excellent variety of food with a good balance of fruit and vegetables. Other suggestions for improvement included the addition of beef to the menu and different choices for breakfast.
46 of the 75 (61.3%) respondents judged the range and quality of toys and equipment provided by Brambley Cottage to be ‘excellent’, while 24 (32.0%) judged them to be ‘very good’. The remaining 5 (6.7%) respondents judged them to be ‘good’. One respondent stated “we chose Brambley Cottage for our child due to the excellent facilities for play and learning provided” while another added that “all toys are well looked after and cleaned”. Two of the respondents suggested that there should be more books. It was also suggested that there should be more difficult jigsaws.
All of the 75 respondents agreed that Brambley Cottage is always clean and in good order with 57 (76.0%) agreeing strongly. The cleanliness was additionally described as being ”very impressive”. One of the respondents stated that “cleanliness was one of my main reasons for choosing the nursery for my son” and others described Brambley Cottage as always looking “spotless” and being “the cleanest I have ever visited”. There was also praise for the “lovely, well maintained gardens”. There was no criticism made of the cleanliness, nor were there any suggestions for improvement.
72 (96.0%) of the respondents agreed that they are happy with the quantity and quality of the information available to them and of these, 32 agreed strongly. One of the respondents added “the school reports are fantastic!”. The reports were described by another respondent as being “comprehensive, informative and very accurate”. There was also praise for the newsletter, the notice board, the diary system and for the staff in providing information. The three respondents who disagreed with the statement all called for more frequent feedback on the child’s development and day to day activities. This view was shared with 9 other respondents. Other suggestions included having a notice board in pre school and improving the quality of printing in the newsletter.
All of the 75 respondents agreed that overall, they are very happy with the childcare services provided by Brambley Cottage. Of these, 49 (65.3%) agreed strongly. Of those not agreeing strongly, two respondents suggested that the nursery is a little inflexible at times. One of the respondents who did agree strongly wrote, “I feel very relaxed knowing my child is at Brambley – it is like a home away from home. The change in my child has been very positive! Thank you!”. Other respondents described the childcare provided by the nursery as being “exceptional”; “first class” and of “the highest standard”. Respondents also stated that they would recommend Brambley Cottage to friends and family and asked the management and staff to keep up the good work.