The support of parents and carers is vital to the success of Isobel Mair Family Centre. We believe, therefore, that we should do everything possible to provide parents with regular information and opportunities to join their child in ongoing experiences within the Centre.
We know that:
• Parents/carers are the child’s first educator
• Parents/carers know the needs, interests and dispositions of their own child best
• Children will come to nursery having already learned a great deal about their world
• Parents, carers and families are by far the most important influences in a child’s life. Their support can play a vital role at all stages of education.
• Parents/guardian who take on a supportive role in their child’s learning make a difference in improving achievement and behaviour.
• The active involvement of parents in the life of the centre can help promote a learning community in which their child can engage positively with staff and their peers.
• The Family Centre will benefit from developing positive partnerships with parents by involving them in all decisions affecting their child’s care, education and learning.
• Engaging with parents/carers through positive communication ensures parents, carers and families are involved in their child’s learning and development.
On going Communication
We pride ourselves in having excellent relationships with our parents/carers. We achieve this by communicating positively with parents and carers, asking for feedback, using feedback to improve our service and by inviting parents to take part in many opportunities to become involved in the nursery.
If you are worried, curious or anxious about any matter concerning your child please speak to your child’s key worker at your earliest convenience. Staff hope to build positive relationships with all parents and it is important that we can discuss any aspect of your child’s learning in a manner which enables the best possible outcomes for your child. We operate an ‘open door’ policy – we are always available!
We ask for as much parental input as possible. If you feel you have a ‘good idea’ to help us develop our communication methods even further, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff.
Your opinions and views are very important to us and we want you to feel secure in the knowledge that not only will you be listened to; your views will be acted on accordingly. We want parents and carers to feel they can approach staff to discuss any aspect of their child’s care, learning or development. Please do not feel you must wait for a consultation meeting or a questionnaire to be issued before airing any concerns you may have. Speak to staff immediately and the issue will be dealt with as appropriate.
Parent Consultations
Although staff consult with parents on a daily basis, more formal consultations are planned and carried out twice yearly. The purpose of these consultations is to give parents an opportunity to discuss their child’s progress with a member of staff. Appointments are available during and out with the nursery day to accommodate all parents. We emphasis the importance of attending as you will be able to see examples of your child’s work and hear about their progress.
In addition, we publish a monthly SWAY newsletter to keep you informed of events in the nursery. Information is also available on each child’s diary, on the Parent Notice Boards, in the foyer, Twitter and our website. If English is not your first language we can arrange to have information explained orally to you.
Staff have developed a number of useful tools to support you in becoming involved in your child’s nursery care and education.
