This guide to the settling in process is designed to ensure that you are confident in the knowledge that we will do everything we can to support you and your child with settling into the Nursery. We understand that this is a significant transition in a child’s life and it is really important that the process is adapted to your child. We also understand the anxiety that you may have over leaving your child, and we are dedicated to supporting you through this process, ensuring that you feel happy and comfortable with your child’s start at Nursery.
- A member of our office team will contact to you prior to your start date, with the dates and times of the settling in sessions for you and your child. This might be an email or via telephone.
- Settling sessions are usually arranged for 5 consecutive days leading up to the scheduled start date.
- Each session is 1 hour long to allow enough time for your child to get used to their new environment and team. It will also help your child understand that although you are dropping them off, you will be coming back to get them.
Session One
- On your first settling in session at the Nursery you will be welcomed into the Nursery.
- You will be introduced to the Room Leader, Key Person and the rest of the team in your room, who will explain the settling in process to you.
- We will ask that you sit with your child in the room, allowing time for them to start getting used to the new environment, with the close comfort of you there. The key person will play with your child with you, starting to form positive bonds and get to know each other.
- During this time your child will be closely observing your behaviour in order to seek acceptance of new people and the environment. They will pick up on any nervous body language from you, so despite your natural anxiety it is really important for their security that you are confident and happy.
Session Two
- Your second day of settling is just as important as the first. Your child will hopefully be excited to come.
- At some point during this session we may ask you to leave the room/nursery to see how your child reacts with an initial separation. This will not be rushed at all and we will only attempt this if both child and parent seem happy to do so.
- If your child is happy then we will continue to play with them with you out of the room to build on the positive relationship with the team in the room. If your child becomes distressed with your absence, then we ask you to allow us time to console them. If after a short time they are still distressed, then we will ask you to re-enter the room/come back at nursery.
Sessions Three & Four
- The settling in sessions will continue each day with the positive relationships and close bonds between the team and your child becoming stronger each time.
- Once we have made the initial separation, then we will continue to build on this, gradually increasing the time spent out of the room and even out of the Nursery where appropriate. Provided we have your contact details you can start to train yourself on leaving your child in our safe hands, perhaps enjoying a nice coffee nearby.
Session Five
- By the last session your child will have hopefully settled well into their new environment, having formed close bonds with one or more of the team and be happy playing and exploring at Nursery.
- Following this session, your child will begin their full session enabling you to drop off and collect alongside the other children and families. Your room leader/key person will remind you of the times and the route in and out of the premises. Should you have any questions about the sessions, please speak to our friendly office team.
Please note that the above session process may vary depending on your child and how they adapt to the new environment.
If your child has an identified special educational need or disability (SEND) which has been discussed with Liz, SENCO and which means they will be spending some of their session in The Meadow, we will begin the settling in process as per this guidance in their base room. This will allow your child to focus on settling in one new place with one set of new faces. If your child is not settling in their base room, The Meadow staff will discuss whether it is possible to work through the settling in process in The Meadow.
Who can help me?
I want to discuss my child’s sessions/hours-Michelle, main office
I want to find out if I am eligible for government funding-Michelle or visit Childcare choices website
I want to notify the nursery of my child’s absence-Susan, main office
I want to discuss something financial-Maria, via main office
I want to discuss how my child is settling-key person or room leader
I am concerned about how I am coping during this time of settling-Sarah or Louise, family workers
I am concerned about my child’s development-room leader and/or Liz, SENDCO
I would like to make a complaint about the settling in process-please discuss this initially with your room leader. If they cannot help satisfy your complaint, you can follow our complaints procedure which can be found on the website.