Do you think this is child abuse?? (I do)....I work at a nursery school and?

Question

when a child (2 year-olds) falls asleep while sitting at the table, the teachers make him/her stand ....I hate it and don´t see why we just can´t put the child in a bed...I live in Spain (I´m Dutch) and they are obsessed here with lunch....even if the child has already eaten quite a lot he/she needs to stand till lunch time finishes...how can I addres my concerns with the headmaster and other teachers???

well, i´s not that easy...the headmaster does exactly the same thing and tells me to do so...by the way she is a psychologist and has been running this school for 26 years...

I work as a teacher at the school....I refuse to make the kids stand up, but don´t dare to contront the headmaster..I know I am a coward and feel very guilty....(not just because of other things, but becuase of other things I have seen and shut up)

Answer 1

just how you expressed them here tell them the way you feel and yes I beleive its sort of child abuse

Answer 2

I may not be of much use, but maybe put the child down for a nap sooner or if the parent can let the child sleep in later in the mornings. Keep him or her stimulated until lunch time so they are still quite awake when it starts. Talk to the headmaster and see if that is policy and if so, maybe the teachers can make an exception for the younger children that are falling asleep. As long as they have eaten their food then I don't really see the problem. If nothing else works then tell the parents what is happening. I'm sure that isn't the only nursery school in Spain.

Answer 3

Yes I do think this is child abuse. The teachers are supposed to be providing care in the interest of the childs needs and they are not doing that. If a child is falling asleep at the table, the child needs to be put on a mat or cot and not forced to stand up. You need to address it to the director or headmaster because if you don't it will keep happening because they think its ok. You may get a negative reply for your concerns but you need to let them know how you feel about it. In other countries, they deal with children in a different way but in the US, that won't happen anywhere.

Answer 4

If you will be an angel and put the children before your job
(you didn't say what type of work you do at the school, teacher,or
secretary or what role you play) I'd bring it to the attention of the
headmaster discreetly of course not another teacher, because it
would not be the job of the teacher to discuss the policies of the school.or reprimand a co-worker.

If this pratice continues I would speak to the parent of the child
in question, about your concerns. There is really nothing else I
could tell you because I am not familiar with child abuse laws in
Spain. If this pratice bothers you and you've done all you can to
stop it I'd consider seeking employment at another position!!

Answer 5

I also work in a preschool , and when the kids are finished eating they go to bed, there is no time limit for them sitting at the table, and if there is ever a concern for the childs well being. I confront the headmaster right away, reguardless of if I lose my job or not the child is what comes first.

Answer 6

It's not abuse as such but it is not good practice and (as a degree level child care professional) I would be horrified to see it, even if the child was asked to stand in a kind, loving way. If they are made to stand as a punishment (which I suspect is the case) then it is an appaling way to behave and totally unacceptable. Children do not fall asleep at the table in order to be disobedient, they do it because they are exhausted.

In England you could make an anonymous complaint to Ofsted, who would then come and inspect the nursery and have the authority to tell the head to change or even close the place down. There must be something similar in Spain?

Answer 7

I don't know if I would call it abuse or not, but I certainly think its not needed at all. If they are tired, I agree with you let them nap. Who knows what schedules they fallow at home, and they are only 2 years old geezes even if they are 3 or 4.

I don't know what their schedules are like and what not where you are at, but if you would like to try and address the issue. I think you should have some ideas ready to firer off to them on small changes they could make to it better for the children which in the long run will also make it better for every one else also.

Perhaps an earlier lunch schedule, or a short nap for the young ones before lunch they would most likely wake up hungry.

I think the fact that you work there and already know their system of schedules you can come up with very good ideas for this.

Good Luck and I hope it turns out well.

Answer 8

There might be a compromise position. If lunch is so important that the school is willing torture toddlers, then the children must have their naps before lunch or the school must schedule lunch earlier in the day. You could suggest either of these options. The bottom line is that 2-year-olds sleep when they're sleepy. They aren't trying to be stubborn or uncooperative. If they have a naptime, even 30 minutes before lunch, they're much more likely to eat well and stay awake during the meal. Or if lunch occurs earlier in the day, they'll fill their tummies and drift off according to their natural schedule.

Also: if lunch is so important, wouldn't they want to train the next generation to look forward to the meal instead of dreading it because they might be punished for something they can't control...?

Good luck--

Answer 9

I woudl put in into the less benificial things that a teacher can do for a child, but I don't think that there is much legally that can be done.

I would think that this is a cultural thing that could be difficult to argue with the headmaster. I would start off with an annoumous letter with your concerns for the two year old.

Answer 10

Yes i believe that is wrong to make these little kids stand up until lunchtime is over. I think you have a right to address your concern to the head honcho. Ask yourself if this job is worth it. Maybe find a new teaching job. I think the headmaster should get fired along with these teachers that think this is ok to do to children.

Answer 11

I don't think it's abuse like hitting but I do think it's a form of abuse. If the little one are falling asleep. it's probably due to the teachers making them eat too much.

Why don't you find out why this is something they do.

I know when I was at primary school, if a student did something wrong then they were told to stand in the corner.