Hi, I am Claire Lord, PEYO at Inchlair ELC Centre. In September 2022, our 3 – 5 year olds moved from Larbert ELC Centre to Inchlair ELC Centre where we began our journey to become Falkirk’s first Froebel Flagship nursery. We went from having four small playrooms to one large playroom. As a team we had to think what matters to our children, families, and staff in line with Froebelian principles. Ensuring that all aspects of children’s personal plans were enabling for the whole team to get it right for every child.

Through participation and gathering our communities’ perspective (children, families, and educators) it became clear that the current proposed information gathering template of personal plans did not suit our children and families for several reasons e.g., too many boxes. We felt that the document needed to align with our new setting vision, values and Froebelian principles. So, we decided to observe how children were using it and how it was meaningful to them.

The findings showed that the format of the template didn’t offer enough personalisation to each child. Some families informed us at the transition stage they felt overwhelmed. Another parent told us it “felt like a test.”  Many of our families said they felt under pressure to say what they thought we wanted to hear. Some of the answers given were not appropriate. A percentage of our families shared they have limited literacy skills so struggled to complete aspects, which they did not want to disclose at the beginning of forming relationships with staff.

So, we reflected as a team on our transition policy and procedures from home to nursery and realised it was information overload for families. We have learned it is key that relationships with children, families and educators are at the foundation of everything we do, and each child and their family are individual. In addition, the team reviewed and revised paperwork, including our information brochure, to enable all aspects of personal plans to become more meaningful for each child.

Where we are now? We streamlined personal plans taking out information which we felt wasn’t required at initial transition stage and completed paperwork over time, as and when relevant.

Our Children & Families Thoughts – The document is less daunting as number of pages reduced. Less boxes to complete so answers are quick and more accurate. Families are now more open and happier to provide more information over time where keyworkers complete with families together to support building up relationships and attuning to each child and family.

Overall, the revised document has been received well. Moving forward we will continue to review and reflect to ensure this always meets the needs of our children and families.

Feel free to contact me on claire.lord@falkirk.gov.uk or 01324 503430 to discuss further.