h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Nov 6th

I message via facebook last night has confirmed that I've got the job. I should get the details today, including when they want me to start (which I think is ASAP), and how much it's going to get in the way of my sling-related stuff. I need to get my mind back on track. We need the money, it's why I applied, and I can use the money to help get the sling stuff set up to run alongside the more stable Rhythm Time teaching. It's a positive thing.

I should be more happy, but at the moment all I can think about is the things I now have to organise to get looked after before I start. Mr Vip is going to request flexible working for one of the mornings, and I'll need to get a nursery sorted out for the other two. I have one already confirmed, but since then I've heard of another that might suit my parenting ethos better, so I'm going to hope that they can have me look around before I make the decision.

So much to think about!

with everything. It sounds rather exciting!

Congratulations on getting the job! True, it may not be the exciting job of your dreams, but you can still work on that, make the decisions needed to make it fit in with your life. Just remember that you were offered the job, 'cos You were the best!

And you get to work with kids! It's the sort of job my wife would be after when she's better.

<BB<

It is... although I've just discovered that since I last talked to the nursery (several months ago) they've scored quite badly on a recent inspection. I am heartened that the children were apparently quite happy and the baby room in particular were good with hugs and cuddles which I think is the most important thing (although is a toddler now), but it's set me rather in a tizz because I think pretty much every other nursery in Shrewsbury has got an Outstanding.

Argh!

[Lanza]

Ignore the lack of an Outstanding, it could well be the nursery was more concerned with the kids than ticking boxes for an arbitrary inspection.

There's two points of view, one that it favours childcare over ticking Ofsted boxes, but there's also the view that you can pretend to cuddle a kid when Ofsted comes but that it's harder to fake a good paperwork trail - apparently it had been months since any proper reviews had been done on the toddlers. Plus they didn't security check who collects the children.

I'm pretty sure that big concerns like those will have been addressed - they'll be getting a repeat inspection, I expect, and will be put under close scrutiny. Still, it's worth checking out a couple of others, just in case.

[Amy P]

reddit

Congradulations on getting the job and with the childcare arrangements

7th November

So yesterday has been a bit of a blur, but did manage to include a visit by a friend who needed some help with her sling, and a toddler group in the afternoon that involved a lot of rice pudding and a collection of children who showed little interest and instead wanted to chase each other. Which is still a fun thing and I'm glad they did it, but had we known we could have eaten the rice pudding ourselves instead of covering lots of toys in it!

Two nursery previews booked for today. If anything else I want them to allow me to compare them to the one I initially liked with a view to either confirming my initial impression (that I liked it) or to show me that there are people who do those things even better. I have high hopes for the one in the morning, actually; it's even smaller and has lots of outdoor space.

[Amy P]

Let us know how you get on!
We've applied for our youngest's school place this week – she's only 3, but will start school next year shortly after turning 4, almost certainly the youngest in her year.

<BB<

You sound very busy. I think this is probably the best way to cope with the toddler years.

I am very glad I had a look around two more nurseries today. The first was awful (well, not, not awful, just not as nice), and made me like my original choice more. Then I went to the second and... sold! I'm going to chat to Mr Vip about it but emotionally, I know where I want to go.

Sol: busy is right! I can't find time to sit down and work out how to fix it, either! Oh well.

To cap it all off, an existing sling e-shop is looking for a buyer. Not that I needed more decisions to make, or anything!

Nurseries are very odd. I looked round loads in our area - an area where the nurseries cater to Well Off people in the main. Considering the cost I was quite horrified by most of them. But the one I sent Himself to I really liked. You really do need to go and look at them. Which you have done, of course.

Well done about the job!

Thanks! I am currently awaiting a call from my new boss to find out more details. *drums fingers impatiently*

I think I'm happy with going to this one. It's not as geographically convenient as the original choice, but I've got to drive to my new job anyway as it has loads of kit to lug around.