Royston Nursery School

Settling In Policy

Rationale

“Moving on to different surroundings, a change in caregiver, or making friends in a new setting can be both exciting and challenging. Staff in early years settings can support children appropriately by ensuring that transitions are effective, positive and meaningful. Partnership working with parents is key to supporting effective transitions. Parents can support staff in getting to know children well, whilst staff support parents as they adjust to change.”

(Pre birth to Three, 2010:40)

Vision

Our vision is to ensure that all children and families are welcomed by a supporting and friendly ethos to Royston Nursery School. We aim to ensure that the settling in procedure assists and supports individual children’s entry into the nursery.

 

Aims

• The child and parent/carer are welcomed into the nursery.
• The child and parent/carer are introduced to their key worker and staff team.
• The staff have opportunity for communication with parent/carer to get to know the child and to discuss best settling procedures for the individual child.
• The care we offer during settling in responds to individual children’s needs.
• The parent/carer has access to information e.g. handbook, parents’ newsletters, wall displays and noticeboards for curriculum and general information.
• The child is helped to develop strategies for settling into their new environment.

 

Methodology

• On enrolment management will discuss the child’s individual needs and provide support or information relevant to individual requirements.
• On enrolment management will discuss with parents/carers and arrange visiting times for the child prior to the given start date.
• Parents/ carers will receive consent forms etc and information about the nursery.
• Parents/carers will be introduced to keyworker and other staff members in playrooms.
• Staff will inform parents/carers of daily routines and show them around the environment.
• Children will all be shown their peg, bag/box in cloakroom. Parents/carers of children in the Butterfly room will also be shown where children are changed and their nappy/ cream box.
• Staff will introduce parents to sign in/out register to be used daily.
• Staff will take the opportunity to discuss with parents/carers how we or why we develop care plans for children under 3 years old.
• Staff will also use ‘All about me’ a link from home to get to know some information about the child.
• On first and subsequent visits staff will ensure they spend an appropriate amount of time with the child developing bonds and establishing relationships.
• Staff will welcome the child and parent/carer with a friendly professional approach enhancing the ethos of the centre.
• Staff will ensure that they will establish relationships with parents/carers and children formed on mutual respect.
• Staff will respond sensitively and positively to all children’s learning needs and care requirements during the settling procedure.
• Younger children may bring familiar items from home to help settle.
• Parents/carers are requested to stay in the playroom for the first few visits. Leaving the playroom will be discussed with the child’s keyworker.
• Staff will discuss each visit with parent making arrangements for subsequent visits, increasing time and days appropriately working towards the given start date.
• The nursery will aim to settle the child as quickly as possible in accordance to the child’s needs. Working parent’s circumstances and work commitments will also be given careful consideration.
• The nursery will welcome all close family members who will be part of the child’s settling in.
• Some children may take longer than others to settle. In some instances of longer settling staff will be supportive and provide valuable professional advice.