Cutting a long story short, a friend of mine called the manager of a well known creche about a reference of one of their empolyees - (she is looking for help with her baby) she asked all the usual questions and if they checked her references when she started the job in March - they didn't check her references as she was the "girlfriend" of an employee.

I just found it really strange that in Creche they would not check references or police records or something when one is working with kids - or am I being a over protective mum? It is a reputable place but they have the care of children and I would have thought that there would have been some sort of systmn before employing someone to care for the kids (there are 2 in the creche at anytime).

But still, it bugs me! my friend at least is in the process of calling the other refrences - but should she complain to the creche? speak to the head to HR or something?

Thoughts please

I think that being a "girlfriend" of an employee is enough of a reference.

Police record search???

Even to look after kids? its one thing to be a waitress but another to entrust your children to strangers -

Maybe I am being an over possesive mum - maybe I should ask my friend what the other reference turned out like....

Did your friend ask for permission to call the manager? References can only be given with the approval of the one being asked about.

I think a full reference check and police clearance is perfectly reasonable. There has been such an outcry over paedophilia around the world that I'm surprised that childcare businesses in CH don't routinely clear their staff.

I believe it's a legal requirement in Australia to check that childcare workers are not on the paedophilia register before employing them. I may be wrong, but I remember hearing about this. Obviously we're talking about CH here, but the issues are the same.

Sad that the world has turned this way.

The managers name and number was given as her reference as well as another 2 references.

Yep in Oz its a criminal record check, safety working with children check (paed) and basically almost a stat dec saying your havent done anything in the past. its not a 100% guarantee but its better then simply being someones GF, there was news about the mother in the Uk not long ago...normal mum with kids, shocking what she did.

OP i dont know about complaining, its their business so they can run it how you want, but when its your child you do what you think is best, dont just follow the crowd.

Its the same in the UK, especially after that woman, as was said, a mother of 2, working in a kindergarden - she had her pedophile network -

What bugs me it is not just a small Creche, its a well know gym and my friends send their kids there when they work out -and I guess now I know I have to ask the qualifications of those working in the Creche anywhere.

But one assumes that everyone has been checked - just wonder what the law is here, or is up to the parents to ask when they drop their kids -

I have never gone to Ikea with kids, but do they have a sign saying if the people there have qualifications to handle kids? or what about the one in Sihlcity?



Anyone know?

I agree. Regardless of which country it is, any services related to children should have their employees with back ground checks performed.

I have also noticed, i am yet to see a facility with cameras here. Back in the US, almost every facility had camera, PLUS some even had live cameras for parents to keep an eye online. Ofcours thats US and maybe that was needed, but there are weirdos all over now.

I don't think weirdos in contact with children is a recent invention I think they are just easier to find out these days.

I think it is perfectly reasonable to ask about the qualifications of people looking after your children but it would only be appropriate to ask if they do background checks and not ask for details.

The recent case in the UK highlights the fact that even these checks are not water-tight, though. If one is a determined enough weirdo, one can get into a job with kids with a bit of effort.

I just spent some time with my kiddo in a local Haute Garderie, the staff was amazingly professional, stimulating, fun and caring. I don't need a crimi background check for that, I don't think as it is such a short time kids spend there and they do not leave the facility. I think it differs from a place to place, but our one is so fantastic, so is our playgroup.

I would feel more at ease if ladies and gents working in Creche and Jardin d'Enfants had a work experiences check done, though. I have seen children walking around with their Creche groups so sloppily dressed in really cold temps, friends who have kids in our local one said they do not get fed properly, there are many complaints. It is such expensive business and kids spend full days there I wonder why these complaints do not push for better results. I know this is a question of experiences of employees, rather than a criminal record one.

I agree, the problem has been there all along, we are just more aware of it.
I also agree with you on the credibility on credit checks. I.e. when i registered at the commune they didnt even ask for my criminal check from usa. I had to tell her, "hey dont you need this?", and plus the criminal check i got was for my local commune back home and not for the entire country (i.e fbi).

I wrote a complaint e mail to both gyms this girl works in, as it bothered me especially as friends of mine leave their kids at the creche - one advised me that the contract says that the employees at the creche are qualified to work with kids and have first aid experience - if this employee has, then its not on her CV.

Anyway, the managers wrote back and said they would respond sometime this week......we will see.

You know Powerlauer, maybe instead of lying you would write the truth that this girl was your Au-pair and she left you because she didnt want to be your maid!!! So better foucus on your Family and stay away from others lifes.!!!

I've been reading trying to find out what your actual concerns are about this employee...what behaviours are concerning you?

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Bet you wish you hadn't mentioned the notice period now, eh?? Seems like the gals are fighting back...

What is the notice period for an au pair?

I have commented on two cases of 'scandal' involving au-pairs and their working conditions in as many days and in both cases, the real identity of the host family was as clear as day, which can hardly be good for one's reputation....

The other 'scandal':

http://www.englishforum.ch/jobs-offe...nterageri.html

It's pretty clear, her concern is not about the employee specifically, her concern is about the crèche employing people to care for children without checking their references.

(I've just noticed that this thread appears to have been resurrected by someone who has set up an EF username just to be spiteful! Nice.)

lol.......i thought that was a bit weird too

cheers
SC

Powerlauer has been on the forum for quite a while and spiteful ever since.

Stealing au pairs, abusing ski schools, play schools not working according her high standards - all have they gotten her vexed and spiteful.

Do you know who's looking after your kids?


I raised the same concern.....my friend has left the nursery, but her references were never checked....