Playgroup breaching data protection act?

abi-em-mum83

btw I could go on and on about the little small issues that have made me uncomfortable over the year, which I spoke to the play leader about, like the time she spent 25 minutes watching a 2 year old sob uncontrollably while ignoring him and telling me his mother obviously molly coddles him. I didnt want to butt in as it wasnt my place but in the end I went over and spoke to him, and he was fine. I am more qualified than this particular person in this area, it just so happens that after doing my degree I decided to go into another area. She has no qualifications in childcare and education other than being a parent. Everytime there has been an issue, I have spoken to the play leader who has said she will deal with it but it obviously isnt getting any better and added all together it now seems to warrant the next step, an official letter of complaint. Just because my little one wont be affected anymore, I could stand back and know that others will be treated this way!

somethingcorporate

arcon5 wrote: »

So?

They openly discussed private and confidential information with somebody they shouldn't have.

It it is a oneoff and the worker is generally very good then it is very unlikely they will loose their job.

They would likely only be in a position where they would loose their job if it is not an isolated incident or there is other major concerns about the employee.

And what do they want to achieve? and how do they go about getting that? Would an apology letter and an assurance that it won't happen again suffice? Hardly reassuring is it!?

abi-em-mum83

somethingcorporate wrote: »

And what do they want to achieve? and how do they go about getting that? Would an apology letter and an assurance that it won't happen again suffice? Hardly reassuring is it!?

Can I ask what you believe to be the best course of action is?

bod1467

I think people are overlooking your main reason - making sure it doesn't happen again to OTHER kids/parents. (I know, forums like this are generally about "What's in it for me?", so someone taking a stance for the public good seems a bit of an anathema).

Kaye1

To those people who are telling you not to bother- shame on you. If that was your child being mistreated by that nursery worker, would you want someone else to stand by and watch? No, you would hope that people would step forward and speak up.

People who stand by and watch bad things happen because it doesn't affect them are cowards in my opinion. You should always voice your concerns regarding children and as another poster said- if it is just a one off, it won't be too much of a problem. However, if it is just one of a catalogue of problems, then it may make a difference.

If your child was left crying for 25 mins, would you just keep quiet? To the OP, it doesn't really matter what your/her qualifications are- is she kind to the children? Does she help them if she is needed? Do the children like her? Does she speak to them appropriately? If not, then I would report your concerns.

abi-em-mum83

bod1467 wrote: »

I think people are overlooking your main reason - making sure it doesn't happen again to OTHER kids/parents. (I know, forums like this are generally about "What's in it for me?", so someone taking a stance for the public good seems a bit of an anathema).

Thank you so glad someone sees where Im coming from! Its not me having nothing better to do, or having a personal vendetta, its about other vulnerable people not being affected. What bothers me are the things I noticed when I was there to other children, but what happened the days when I werent there, and my 2 year old couldnt tell me? Its a real shame, the play leader is excellent but the community centre it runs from has recently lost its admin staff and janitor and now the play leader is having to concentrate on things she really should, meaning she isnt able to supervise the play worker as much. The play leader is a lovely lady, fantastic with the kids, and a blooming hard worker, but if she isnt going to be as involved, then the playworker needs to be competent. And she isnt,not by a mile!

abi-em-mum83

Kaye1 wrote: »

If your child was left crying for 25 mins, would you just keep quiet? To the OP, it doesn't really matter what your/her qualifications are- is she kind to the children? Does she help them if she is needed? Do the children like her? Does she speak to them appropriately? If not, then I would report your concerns.

what I meant about the qualifications is its not like I have no idea of what "should" be done when a child is upset, and therefore she could say well we are supposed to just leave them etc. I know from my training that if a child is having a tantrum a good tactic is to make sure they are safe but to ignore it, and when they calm down reward the good behaviour. This child was standing by the door, quietly crying non stop mummy, want my mummy. He was uncontrollably sobbing. Your trained to try and distract them, take their mind off, but not to leave them for 25 minutes! She completely ignored him, and it made me sick, but I didnt want to step out of line (not sure what your allowed to do or not,like your not allowed to take pics, etc). She turned and said well his mother obviously molly coddles him! He was 2 years old,on his first day at a new playgroup! Thats when I went over, knelt down and asked him if he would like to come and sit with the other boys and girls who were having fun painting, at which point he stopped crying, took my hand and settled down!! She just tutted and shook her head. In fact the painting activity was only being supervised by myself, while she stood staring out of the window!
As a parent our rotas to help out worked out about once every 8 days, and in all the time I was there I never saw her actually kneel down and interact or play with the children. She would prepare the snack but never helped the children to the toilet or to wash. I complained several times that my daughters bottom was raw from not being changed for the 2 hours! She made the same snack every day, despite us paying good money for a variety of foods. She would speak ok to the children/parents she liked but not to the children she didnt like, they were either ignored or blamed for everything. One child in particular had been flagged as having some minor problems due to slow speech and some hearing problems. He got the blame for everything, and yes there was 2 occasions he hit out through frustration, which was wrong, but the "class bully" was never disciplined, and teased the child with hearing difficulties, yet because she liked him and his parents she ignored all his violent outbursts! She even turned round to the childs pregnant mother and said if you cant cope with a child with special needs maybe another baby isnt a good idea. If you struggle maybe you should move home with your mum, do you even know how to discipline! The tone was so patrionising and dereogatory she had the poor woman in tears!
I could go on and on for hours. As Ive said its never been one big issue, its lots of little instances that have now culminated in her discussing my personal information with someone I barely know! She crossed the road and actively sought out this person to give her this information, she had nothing else to say to her!

Equaliser123

Sounds like a terrible playgroup. Personally I would have pulled my child out of there much, much earlier.

There is no breach of the DPA. What personal data do you say has been disclosed?

Also sounds like you are getting mixed up about what the issue is. As others have said, you have done your bit. Now let due process take place.

somethingcorporate

Kaye1 wrote: »

To those people who are telling you not to bother- shame on you. If that was your child being mistreated by that nursery worker, would you want someone else to stand by and watch? No, you would hope that people would step forward and speak up.

You're getting confused here.

We're talking about the breach of data protection not the quality of care given. These two things are separate issues that need addressing independently. It appears that something is being done about the (alleged) mistreatment but there is little to be gained from pursuing the DPA issue.

arcon5

somethingcorporate wrote: »

And what do they want to achieve? and how do they go about getting that? Would an apology letter and an assurance that it won't happen again suffice? Hardly reassuring is it!?

A letter of apology is much better than nothing at all.

How does anybody ever know if they are doing something wrong if people take the attitude of doing nothing? Atleast by making a complain the company are given the opportunity to improve their service an ensure staff are abiding by company policy.

It also gives op peace of mind that their concerns have been heard and they will ensure it won't happen again. So in future this member of staff may think twice before doing it again.