I’m writing with regard to the conversation I had with X at lunchtime pick-up today regarding the few small bruises on MiniM#2’s legs and the scratch under her chin.
Firstly I think it’s excellent that you pay attention to detail and I really value that you ask parents to sign accident forms for both existing injuries and new injuries sustained at nursery.
However, I confess to being made to feel uncomfortable when I was unable to pinpoint the exact cause behind the individual bruises on MiniM#2’s legs. She is a wriggly baby who loves to explore – with an overly excitable older sister – and is often taking tumbles both at home and at nursery. Since bruises tend to come up a day or two after a tumble, they could well have occurred as a result of her afternoon in nursery on Monday as I first noticed them on Tuesday evening in the bath.
The scratch under her chin was caused by slipping on the changing table this morning when my husband and I were both in the room. I was changing her older sister and MiniM#2 slipped when she was trying to climb up to see her sister. I asked my husband to notify K about this at drop-off so she could keep an eye on it.
As for the bruises, there are often a few minor bruises on her legs for the reasons outlined above, so I did not feel it was necessary to tell me that I may need to explain myself to someone from social services. Pressure was put on me to come up with a specific reason for these bruises, which, given the fact they take 1-2 days to appear was almost impossible for me to do.
Social services are of course welcome to call – and to visit us in our home – we have nothing to hide, indeed we are proud of the infinite love and care we have for our girls who are most precious things in the world to us – but I was left to feel very uncomfortable after being told they may call and ask me questions about a few small bruises (that she may have sustained in nursery anyway).
It’s great – and vitally important – that you pay attention to the babies and their welfare, but I ask that you are careful not to make a parent feel uncomfortable for being unable to pinpoint a specific bruise and being given a pen and forced to write down a random reason. If outside parties feel the need to call and ask questions then that is fine, but I don’t see the need to mention this unless you know for a fact they are likely to call.
While we’re on the subject of welfare, I would like to reiterate that I still feel uncomfortable about MiniM#2 playing with tiny plastic/ metallic sequins and pieces that can – and did while I was there – end up in her mouth. I fail to see the point of giving such objects to babies if they have to be constantly removed. And if they reach her throat there is the risk of choking. It makes me worried.
I hope this adds a bit of colour to the accident form and our previous discussions.
Apart from my concerns about MiniM#2 playing with small objects that can be put in her mouth, we’re delighted with the care she is receiving: K, E and S are excellent.
Best regards
*actual email, edited to remove MiniM#2’s name and names of carers
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Calamitous Mummy 