What to Expect
Starting Nursery can be a difficult time for both the parent and child. Some children settle very quickly into their new nursery life, whereas others can take a little longer. Every child will be allocated a key person, who will arrange settling-in sessions, answer questions, and start building a relationship with the child.
Helping Children and Parents Feel at Home
These sessions are important for the children as well as parents. During the first settle, parents can discuss any concerns or ask questions about starting at nursery. The key person will ask them to complete an ‘All about Me’ form, which provides key information about the child’s daily routine at home, their likes, dislikes, and interests, and about their child’s development.
Settling sessions lead up to the child’s first day. These are planned so that the key worker is available to greet them at the front of the door, providing a familiar face. The key worker will help them feel confident and secure in their new environment, supporting them every step of the way.
Working in Partnership with Parents
Parents can provide any comforters for their child, such as a dummy, teddy, or a blanket to sleep with. These are readily available to the child as and when needed.
At the end of the session, the key worker will do a handover with the parents, discussing their child’s day.
The children’s daily activities, observations, and assessments are recorded on an app called ‘Tapestry’. This can be accessed by parents on their mobile phones. Tapestry provides updates on their child’s day at Nursery through regular messages and observations.
Regular parents’ evenings are held throughout the year, providing an opportunity to discuss the child’s progress and next steps with the teacher.
There are opportunities for parents to attend organised special and social events with their children, including Christmas concerts, Mother and Father’s Day and summer fun days.
