More and more nursery staff are working in the nursery that their child attends. For these parents the days of dropping off their children at nursery and racing to pick them up after work are gone. But the benefits go further than convenience and saving a bit of time. This arrangement gives parents the opportunity to be close to their children and to watch them grow at work as well as at home.
Policies vary from nursery to nursery but many welcome the idea of staff having their own children on-site. Most nurseries try to avoid parent and child being in the same room, on the grounds that the child might be inclined to demand a parent's attention, but allow them to spend break times together.
Child & Co encourages staff to return from maternity leave and bring children in to be cared for at the nursery rather than lose them to the industry. It sees this as one way of tackling staff shortages, and offers subsidised childcare to those who have completed two years' service. Kidsunlimited also offers subsidised childcare, and as the group has clusters of nurseries close together, can offer staff the option of working at a different nursery but being able to visit their child during breaks.
For staff, however, it can initially be very difficult being on the same premises and knowing they have to stay away from their child. Child psychologist Jennie Lindon suggests that potential problems should be discussed in the nursery beforehand. 'Sometimes people can give more attention to their own child without realising it, but it is crucial that staff are even-handed at all times,' she says. 'It would be easier if parent and child were in different rooms, because a child will always see the staff member as "mum" and may not like the idea of sharing. Ultimately it is about weighing up the advantages and disadvantages and doing what is best for the child.'
Ginny Middleton
Manager, Little Gems Nursery (Kinderquest), Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire
'Thomas, who is now five years old and at school, started at Kings Cottage Nursery in Sharnbrook when he was six months old. It was a 75-place nursery so it was quite easy for me to avoid him all day. But when he was four and a half we moved, and I then worked at Kinderquest in Northampton, which was a smaller nursery with 46 places. I found it much more difficult and I wouldn't do it again.
'I didn't work with Thomas. I think if I did, I would have been harder on him, which wouldn't have been fair either. There was never a problem with the other staff. They knew he wasn't to be treated any differently and if problems did occur, I was prepared to remove him. I didn't want to put the staff, other children or parents in a difficult situation. Initially, if Thomas saw me, he wanted my attention and found it hard to understand why he couldn't have me. But eventually he settled down.
'I think there were many advantages to having Thomas in my nursery. Obviously it was more convenient where travel time was concerned because I didn't have to drop him off and pick him up. It can be very hard to find a nursery if you work long hours but this situation was perfect.
'Being at the same nursery as Thomas, I didn't feel like I was missing out on that much. I could always have a quick peek at what he was doing.
I even had to take him to hospital once. I think because I had been at the scene of the accident I didn't panic as much as I might have done if I was elsewhere. It was also easier for me to relate to what he was talking about because I was familiar with the nursery's surroundings.
In my opinion it was the ideal situation. I knew the nursery staff, I knew what Thomas was doing and I knew he was safe.'
Suzanne Thomas
Manager, Jigsaw Day Nursery, Shenley
'Having Lucy, who is four, in the nursery is very convenient, but more important, it is the sort of nursery I would want her to go to.
'Lucy started when she was nearly two years old and it took her longer than other children to settle down. I had to duck and hide to avoid her seeing me from her room, because she used to get very upset. But the plus point is that I do feel more involved and it's nice when she comes and shows her pictures to mummy.
I don't think there are many disadvantages for me, but I do feel that the lifestyle is a bit taxing on Lucy, even though she doesn't know any different. She has to come to the nursery with me at 7am, and sometimes she is still in her pyjamas, as she is still half-asleep. The other children start to arrive at the nursery at 7.30am. But this has allowed her to build on her relationship with the staff; they have become like an extended family.
'It is a good advertisement having my daughter with me at my nursery. Parents feel comfortable knowing that I am happy leaving my child here. I have seen Lucy grow into a confident, happy, out-going child and it is really nice that I have been able to see her flourish.'
Emily Caine
Senior nursery nurse, Jigsaw Day Nursery, Shenley
'I have just returned to work from maternity leave with Hayley, my four-month old baby. I don't work with her so it has been a bit difficult, but I know that she is in capable hands.
'Any mum would feel something is missing but it is reassuring knowing that I can see her at lunchtime or in my breaks. The temptation to go and see her often is strong, but I have to be stricter with myself. The parents of the other children are pleased by the idea and think I am very lucky to have her with me.
'I was worried before she started nursery because she had become clingy and was wary of new people and surroundings. But since she has been here she does not seem to be that bothered and is happy to be left. She is in a stimulating environment, which is good for her and will help her to develop.
'I have not been as emotional as I thought I would be because I trust the nursery staff who are looking after her. I was a bit apprehensive about coming back to work with Hayley, but it hasn't changed the way I work. If anything, it has given me a deeper perspective and I am able to understand the children better now.'