Settling-in Policy:
Leaving your child at nursery for the first time is stressful but by working together, exchanging information regularly and taking part in nursery life whenever possible, this difficult time will become a very positive experience for all of us.Our teams are highly experienced at helping children settle in and quickly adapt to daily life in our nurseries.
To do this we
Provide a Key Person for each child — an individual who will lead the settling in process, is focused on your child’s development and who is your main point of contact. The Key Person will learn your child’s preferences and any requirements so they feel at home as soon as possible. We consider it paramount for the key worker to provide all the necessary support your child needs to help him/her settle in well. Every child is treated with love, respect and dignity and assisted to settle peacefully within their new environment, particularly, enhancing their confidence. The settling process takes 2-3 weeks with each child usually feeling at home after these few weeks.
In the run up
We will contact you to arrange a few short visits to the nursery. These visits will enable you both to establish a positive relationship with the nursery team.Visits are conducted in the morning (9.30am to 11.30am) or in the afternoon (1.30pm to 3.30pm).
On the day
To do this we
- Ensure the whole process is an enjoyable experience.
- Develop a close relationship between the nursery team and your family, encourage you to play as active a role in nursery life as you would like to.
Provide a Key Person for each child — an individual who will lead the settling in process, is focused on your child’s development and who is your main point of contact. The Key Person will learn your child’s preferences and any requirements so they feel at home as soon as possible. We consider it paramount for the key worker to provide all the necessary support your child needs to help him/her settle in well. Every child is treated with love, respect and dignity and assisted to settle peacefully within their new environment, particularly, enhancing their confidence. The settling process takes 2-3 weeks with each child usually feeling at home after these few weeks.
- Quickly gain an understanding of your child’s personality, likes and dislikes and develop routines which allow them to undertake the experiences, activities, opportunities and games which they find most fun or stimulating.
- Although you may view your child’s first day at nursery as a daunting experience be assured that our nursery nurses are experienced at helping you and your child settle in. There are some tips below on how to make this an enjoyable time and as easy as possible for both you and your child.
In the run up
We will contact you to arrange a few short visits to the nursery. These visits will enable you both to establish a positive relationship with the nursery team.Visits are conducted in the morning (9.30am to 11.30am) or in the afternoon (1.30pm to 3.30pm).
- During your settling-in session, you will meet your child’s Key Person. This is the individual who will guide you through the settling in process, they will also be responsible for your child’s development and welfare and will be your main point of contact at the nursery.
- In the weeks prior to the ‘big day’ talk to them about the new journey they are about to embark on, mentioning all the new and exciting things they will be doing. Even babies will pick up on the positive messages you give about this transition.
- We will ensure there is a two-way communication between you and the nursery. We request that you provide us with details of your child’s requirements and preferences prior to their first visit. This means that their Key Person will then be equipped with the knowledge to ensure they can welcome and settle your child into nursery life with all the information you have offered. No question is ever a silly question and we encourage families to take an active role in nursery life.
- Read books about ‘the first day’ with your child to prepare them for the experience. ‘My First Day at Nursery’ by Becky Edwards and Anthony Flintoff and ‘Maisy Goes to Playschool’ are two that have been tried and tested by some of our parents.
- If this is the first time your child is going to be separated from you, you could help them prepare by spending short periods of time apart in the run up to their first day.
On the day
- We will spend quality time getting to know your child on their first day, providing relaxed opportunities for them to choose what they play with, observing what makes them tick, their personality, likes and dislikes. This information is invaluable to your Key Person and helps them to plan experiences, activities, opportunities and games for your child.
- Try not to be too anxious about leaving your child if he or she is crying. Our staff are experienced in dealing with these situations and have strategies to help them. We are always happy to arrange extra settling-in sessions if either you or we feel they would be beneficial. With a smile clearly explain that you will see them later. Aim not to prolong the goodbye, as hard as this maybe, trust us, it is better for your child, they can then focus on getting on with their day.
