How we welcome you
Settling Your Child – How We Welcome You
We understand that intrusting your child to anyone to care for is one of the most important decisions you will make in their early lives. The settling process starts with you as the parents, we hear all you need to tell us and respect your needs as a family.
In advance of you starting, you will receive a Welcome email which will contain a full confirmation of the childcare sessions you have booked and when this will start. It will also advise on practicalities such as what clothes to pack etc. Information on our Key Policies will be provided to allow you to understand the guidelines that we operate the nursery by.
We will request pictures of anyone authorised to collect your child for our secure collection process. We would also love to receive a picture of your child that you would like to appear on their peg, drawer and placement. We like to receive this before your child has started so they are able to see where their space is and how they are already included within the nursery.
The week before your child starts will organise 2 settling sessions. These will be booked and agreed with you in advance.
Settling Session 1 – Approximately 1 Hour
Parents/Carers are invited to join us for 1 hour with your child. This can just be one adult but both parents are welcome if they desire. During this session a member of the room staff will go through ‘All About Me’ information where we discover all about your child, their needs, their family background. This is an opportunity to share their likes/dislikes and developmental stage. Ultimately, it’s a full conversation where you get to tell us everything you would like us to know about your child.
We will check through your Personal Information Pack (given during your tour or via email). We will fill in any gaps together and ensure that you get to ask questions you may have.
Settling Session 2 – Approximately 1 Hour
During this session, you will leave your child with us. This session is the first opportunity for us to start bonding in your absence. Your child will learn that, even when you are not there, they are safe and there is always someone there to help them. Even simple tasks like providing food, or helping with a toy, allow us to build a relationship of trust. They also are reassured that you always return to resume your life together.
Once your child starts their regular booking pattern, they will form bonds with both their peers and the team. We completely understanding that leaving them for the first time can be daunting so if you would like to give us a call or message us on Famly to check in, we are happy to set your mind at ease. With a few weeks, we can normally tell which member of the team your child gravitates to most and where possible they will become nominated as your child’s Key Person.
At all stages of your nursery journey, we are here to answer questions, provide information, and support your family wherever we can.