Helping you and your child on your first day
Your child’s first day at nursery is an exciting but also daunting experience for you and your child. Our aim is to help make the transition to nursery as worry-free and happy as possible for you both. Our nursery team are very experienced at helping you and your child settle in and we will work with you in the lead up to your first day.
How we help with the settling in process
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. 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 your main point of contact at the nursery.
In the weeks prior to the your child’s first day at nursery, we recommend parents try to talk to their children about the new experience they are about to embark on.You should mention all the new and exciting things they will be doing. Even babies will pick up on the positive messages you give about this transition. If this is the first time your child is going to be separated from you, we also suggest you help them prepare by spending short periods of time apart in the run up to their first day.
During your first few days
We will spend quality time getting to know your child on their first day, providing relaxed opportunities for them to choose what they would like to play with, observing what they are interested in, their personality, likes and dislikes. This information is invaluable to your Key Person and informs them what experiences, activities, opportunities and/or games to plan 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. Please feel free to contact us by phone or email to find out how your child is getting on during their settling in period or at any time when you may be anxious about them.
We are always happy to arrange extra settling-in sessions if either you or we feel they would be helpful. We will always ensure there is a two-way relationship between you and the nursery. We ask 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. We have an open door policy and should you wish to come and spend some time in nursery with your little one you are always welcome.