For mums, every morning we put our faith in childcare staff to look after our children.
Every mum wants the reassurance that your child is being cared for the way we would look after them ourselves.
So this new survey may or may not come as a surprise.
Daynurseries.co.uk uncovered that a whopping 67 percent of childcare professionals such as nursery owners, managers and staff are not allowed to kiss the children they look after in daycare.
33 percent of the 1,125 people who took part in the survey said they were allowed to whilst at work.
Sue Learner, editor of daynurseries.co.uk, commented on their findings: “It is very sad so many nursery staff feel unable to show affection to children by kissing them on the head or cheek."
“Some of these children are in nursery from as young as three months, for five days a week from 8 am till 6 pm, and it is vital they feel love and warmth from the staff."
“Nursery staff obviously worry they could get accused of abuse or criticised by parents who feel envious of the close bond between them and the child.”
The editor concluded by saying that children deserved physical attention and its primary to their well-being that nursery staff are able to freely give them kisses and cuddles, without any fear of the consequences.
However, not everyone agrees.
John Warren has over 30 years of experience holding many different roles in the childcare industry and said that kissing shouldn't be allowed during nursery.
"I cannot think of a situation where a child in a nursery needs a kiss from an adult to settle them in the nursery...I believe that the children in our care need to be shown love, care and affection along with educating and inspiring them," he said.
“However this must be done in a way where our children feel safe and protected and our staff feel comfortable and also protected from accusations."
He added that parents want safety and love for their children while in creche but this can be obtained "without kissing."
Rachel Munro-Peebles a co-founder of Fount Nursery in London weighed-in on the debate.
In their childcare facility, it was acceptable for staff to kiss children on the hand, cheeks and forehead, although it wasn't something they promoted internally.
“We also believe that if children show affection towards staff, they should be able to show it back – this is an integral part of the child’s learning development and emotional intelligence journey – as well as personal, social and emotional development," she said.
Rachel added that it was particularly important during the transitional period from parents to staff members for babies and toddlers.
What is your opinion on the findings of the survey? Are you comfortable with your child receiving kisses from a childcare professional?
