Proposed changes to Moray nurseries regarding hours and staffing face criticism over potential impact on staff and families.
Moray Council asked parents what they thought about nursery and childcare for this year’s budget. The survey ended on February 12, and now they are looking at the results to decide what to change and cut.
A council member understands early years services are vital. The council wants to meet parents’ needs while keeping the services affordable. They plan to adjust hours and staffing to save money, but maintain quality childcare.
Four nurseries might change their hours: Pilmuir, Lhanbryde, Linkwood, and Seafield. Currently, they run 25 hours a week, 46 weeks a year.
The new plan is 30 hours a week, 38 weeks a year. The hours would be 9 am to 3 pm to match primary schools. Attendance is lower during holidays, and the change should save £260,000. Nursery managers’ contracts will also change to a 47-week work year, matching other council nurseries and saving £23,000.
The council is reviewing other employees’ roles and will handle changes through turnover or adjustments. They may do formal consultations as well, following council policy.
The council wants to improve quality by restructuring the teaching team. The idea is to replace teachers with new roles, creating early intervention teachers and continuous improvement officers. This could save roughly £200,000.
One anonymous employee feels insecure and believes the changes harm staff morale. They claim the savings could cause problems, as private nurseries have waiting lists, showing a need and generating income.
More holidays won’t help stress, this employee says, as staff will worry about their jobs. Reduced income is a concern, as council jobs used to be secure, but it’s getting harder with rising needs.
The employee is worried about the teaching team cuts. Two staff will cover all kids with special needs, which is going to be almost impossible given the need to attend several planning meetings and properly support families.
Kids need security and familiar faces at their nurseries, which offer parents and children safe harbor. Special needs are rising, so the employee thinks cutting would be bad.
The employee suggests looking at managers’ salaries and wonders if so many high-paid managers are needed.