As a concerned parent, I am writing this petition after discovering some worrying policies at my son’s nursery. I recently learned that these nurseries are restricted by their own guidelines, preventing them from using discipline or saying 'no' to children. This has resulted in my son developing undesirable behaviours, such as shouting and hitting, due to the absence of boundary setting by these institutions.

It's been particularly challenging as a single parent, who relies on nursery services for support while balancing work and family duties. I expect these nurseries to provide a safe, structured environment for my child, but instead, it seems they are adopting ‘free reign’ approaches. The intention may be to promote each child's individual voice, but what it is ultimately promoting is confusion. Children need clear boundaries and logical guidance to understand the world around them, not the liberty to do as they please without consequences.

Studies in child psychology suggest that boundaries and discipline help children feel secure and build a sense of responsibility, so it’s bewildering that nurseries adopt practices that ignore these essential components of early childhood development (see reports from the American Psychological Association and University of Oxford for evidence on the importance of discipline in early education).

I propose that nurseries revise their policies to incorporate logical discipline strategies. Educational settings should balance promoting a child's voice with providing clear rules and boundaries, encouraging both self-expression and appropriate behaviour. This approach will better align with child psychology principles and better serve both the children and parents who depend on these services.

It's crucial we act to change these policies. We need to ensure that nurseries support our children in their critical developmental years by offering them not only freedom of expression but also the tools to navigate social environments constructively.

Join me to call on nursery administrators and local educational boards to implement balanced discipline policies. Let’s make nurseries safer and more nurturing environments for all children. Please sign this petition to protect and guide our children effectively.

to add an additional comment my son has been toilet training and at nursery this week Monday he’s had 6 accidents due to negligent use of policy’s , and a disregard for my input when he is home he has had 4 accident free days so far this is shocking and cannot be left to go unnoticed I can only imagine the family’s in similar circumstances struggling and not knowing what to do please sign this petition and stand together as parents unite !!!