‘The transition from home to an ECEC (Early Childhood Education and Care) setting is often the first occasions in which children experience a big cultural change, in the people around them, the ways in which they interact, their number of peers, the types of activity they engage in, and their physical surroundings.’ (OECD, 2017:17)
We strive to ensure that our transition process is positive for children and families. At Crookfur, we value transition as a process rather than an event. We strive to support “continuity without sameness and change without shock” (Watt, 2019). The child’s well-being is always at the centre of our transitions.
Our induction to Crookfur Family Centre takes the form of four main parts:
- ‘Drop In’ Sessions – These are informal sessions where children and families are invited to visit the family centre. During this session they will collect welcome packs, arrange start dates and complete enrolment forms. Staff will be on hand to chat and answer any questions
- Home Visit – Your child’s ‘Key People’ will carry out a home visit. This visit allows children to start building relationships with staff whilst in an environment that they are most comfortable.
- Settling In Sessions – The first few days of nursery will be a new experience for both you and your child. For their first session we advise that children visit the centre for one hour. Children settle at different rates and an individual settling-in programme will be discussed at this time.
- Information Evening – Parents are invited to a more formal presentation evening where they will find out more about the life of the Family Centre.
Currently our transition procedures are a little different due to COVID-19.
Below are some useful resource and pieces of information to support our children and families at this key point of transition.
