Goodstart Early Learning reviews

There are bullies in this company that are promoted and patted on the back by upper management. Many Area Managers that tell you that you’re just a number, that pick on the staff in the rooms while telling directors to short staff the centre to save money. Ratios aren’t adhered to and if you don’t like under roof ratios then you’ll hate working here. It’s all about budgets and the mighty dollar, not the children or staff. I left one year ago and there is only 1 staff member left in the centre I was in. They’ve all left the company in disgust. The staff turn over is huge, and new staff don’t stay as they soon realise that they’ll be expected to bend over backwards and cut corners which is horrifying. There is constant talking behind backs - constant ‘get rid of her’ speak to directors and an upper level managers insult centre staff - ‘don’t use big words to directors when you’re speaking to them as they won’t understand you.’ Insulting, nasty, bullying culture and good staff end up leaving as it’s cruel to see children suffering and crying in corners being ignored and yelled out by stressed out staff. Area Managers will never support you, instead they will point out all the shortcomings and performance manage you out, rather than provide adequate training. But then there’s useless training that you’re expected to attend after hours which could have been an email. No work life balance. But then, this company doesn’t give two hoots about its staff. It’s all about the profit for the top heavy structure.

After induction 2 years ago, I was swiftly bullied by an Assistant Director, I almost made a formal complaint, as it involved Direct and Indirect Bullying but as I was new to the organisation I didn't want to lose my job, so I stopped working at that Centre. The bullying took place in front of many witnesses (other staff). I then starting working for a different centre, one I thought was a wonderful, supportive place to work and do further studies in. After a year there I was mistreated by another casual but fortunately she eventually left. 8 months ago however, another Casual started, she pushed and bossed her way through, severely bullying me in the process. I tried to speak to the co-worker but it fell on deaf ears. I then spoke to the new Director (who started only 6 months ago), advising her of the bullying and that I had been trying for 2 years to attain permanent work there and of my Diploma studies and my apparent eligibility for permanent work. (I was advised by the organisation that I was eligible) She said to try and speak again to the co-worker about the bullying and offered no feedback on how to attain a permanent position. My State Trainer advised me to email my Director, outlaying all my Qualifications, 15 years Employment in Children's Services, Personal Statement, and details of my approved application of RPL towards Diploma (Director said she would have a face-to-face discussion with me about the email but it never eventuated) After the discussion with the Director, she also started bullying me! I now had 2 associates bullying me!. For more than 2 years I expressed my desire for permanent work in the Kindergarten Room and applied a few times for employment there. It always seemed to fall on deaf ears. I approached the People and Culture Department, Fair Work Commission, Working Women's Centre, etc. etc. about the bullying. It quickly became clear that I would be singled out and made the scapegoat. The attitude from the organisation was negative and defensive. There would be a series of interviews with me, the 2 associates and any witnesses (there were many) I felt outnumbered and extremely stressed at having to fight the system single-handedly, I had serious stress-related illnesses and decided to leave the Centre, feeling defeated and with low self-esteem.