Settling In Policy
Staff Involvement
This policy was drawn up in consultation with the Head Teacher of Taynuilt Primary School and the Staff of Taynuilt Pre 5 Unit.
Rationale
Settling in is an important stage in the transition between home and the Pre 5 Unit. Care and attention must be given to all needs of the child and also the needs of the parents/carers when settling children into the Pre 5 setting and routine.
Aims
- To offer a warm and welcoming environment where children and their parents/carers feel valued, happy and secure.
- To recognise and support individual needs of children and their parents/carers during the settling period.
- To work in partnership with parents/carers to settle their child into the setting.
Procedures
As staff we will:
- Arrange visits for the children and their parents/carers to the Pre 5 unit prior to their placement commencing to introduce them to staff and existing children.
- Ask the parent to complete an ‘All about me’ booklet with their child/children to learn their likes, dislikes, favourite play activities and family members.
- Ensure all children and their parents/carers are personally greeted and welcomed when they arrive.
- Offer familiar play activities and experiences to promote self-confidence and esteem.
- Be flexible in response to individual needs
- Invite parents/carers to stay for sufficient time so that their child feels settled and the parent/carer feels comfortable about leaving.
- Deal sensitively with any anxieties children and/or parents/carers may have.
- Reassure parents/carers that they will be contacted if their child is not settling on their first day and make parents aware that they can contact the Pre 5 Unit if they have any worries. At home time staff will inform parents/carers of their child’s first day and how it went.
- Liaise with parents/carers and share information about their child
- Consult with parents/carers when developing strategies to help their child settle into the setting.
Transitions to Taynuilt Primary School
To ensure the children have an easy and comfortable transition to Taynuilt Primary School we will:
- Organise induction mornings for the child/mornings at the Primary School.
- Take part in a joint nursery to primary transition project.
We regularly work alongside the Primary School so the children will already be familiar with the staff and children.
Monitoring and Review
It is the responsibility of the Head Teacher along with the Pre 5 staff to monitor, evaluate and review the above arrangements and effectiveness of this policy and adjust them according to need.
