Although you may view your child’s first day at nursery as a daunting experience be assured our nursery nurses are experienced at helping you and your child settle in.  There are some tips below on how to make this an enjoyable time and as easy as possible for both you and your child.

In the run up

• We will contact you to arrange a few short visits to the nursery.  These visits will enable you both to establish a positive relationship with the nursery team. 

• During your settling in session you will meet your child’s Key Person.  This is the individual who will guide you through the settling in process, they will also be responsible for your child’s development and welfare and your main point of contact at the nursery.

• In the weeks prior to the ‘big day’ talk to them about the new experience they are about to embark on, mentioning all the new and exciting things they will be doing.  Even babies will pick up on the positive messages you give about this transition.

• We will ensure there is a two-way relationship between you and the nursery.  We request that you provide us with details of your child’s requirements and preference prior to their first visit.  This means that their Key Person will then be equipped with the knowledge to ensure they can welcome and settle your child into nursery life with all the information you have offered.  No question is ever a silly question and we encourage families to take an active role in nursery life. 

• kidsunlimited have an open door policy and should you wish to come and spend some time in nursery with your little one you are always welcome.

• Read books about ‘the first day’ with your child to prepare them for the experience.  ‘My First Day at Nursery’ by Becky Edwards and Anthony Flintoff and ‘Maisy Goes to Playschool’ are two that have been tried and tested by some of our parents.

• If this is the first time your child is going to be separated from you, you could help them prepare by spending short periods of time apart in the run up to their first day.

On the day

• We will spend quality time getting to know your child on their first day, providing relaxed opportunities for them to choose what they play with, observing what makes them tick, their personality, likes and dislikes.  This information is invaluable to your Key Person and informs them what experiences, activities, opportunities and/or games to plan for your child.

• Try not to be too anxious about leaving your child if he or she is crying.  Our staff are experienced in dealing with these situations and have strategies to help them.  We are always happy to arrange extra settling-in sessions if either you or we feel they would be beneficial.  With a smile clearly explain that you will see them later.  Aim not to prolong the goodbye, as hard as this maybe, trust us, it is better for your child, they can then focus on getting buy and on with their day!

What is a key person?

A key person has special responsibilities for working with a small number of children, giving them the reassurance to feel safe and cared for and building relationships with their parents.  

When your child starts in nursery they will be given a key person who will take the lead in all aspects of care, learning and development for your child. Your child will also have a second key person so that when the main key person is away there is a familiar and trusted person who knows your child well.   These key people will also give you a firm point of contact within the nursery, someone with whom you may discuss changes to care routines or events that may affect your child.

It is widely acknowledged that children settle more easily when home and nursery are ‘joined up’ and this is the principle behind the key person system.  What does this mean in real terms within kidsunlimited?

The responsibility of a Key Person is to develop a secure and trusting relationship with their key children and families by:

• Helping the baby or child to become familiar with the setting and to feel confident and safe within it.
• Supporting development through their interests and explorations. 
• Using regular observations and individual planning to guide their continuing development.
• Providing a secure emotional base for key children by being physically available to them throughout the day.
• Greeting their key children as they arrive each day.
• Sitting with their key children at meal times.
• Holding key children whilst being bottle-fed, maintaining eye contact and having conversations.
• Changing and toileting key children, using sensitive handling and familiar words.
• Dressing and washing their key children, offering help as needed but also supporting their independence.
• Understanding and helping children to manage their feelings appropriately, for example, by gentle holding, providing words for feelings and empathy in a way suited to each individual child.  
• Acknowledging children’s feelings of anger, joy, distress, excitement, jealousy, love, etc and offering explanations and reassurances calmly and gently. 
• Providing parents with detailed feedback on their child’s day.
• Taking messages from the family and passing them on / recording and acting upon them as appropriate.
• Completing children’s Learning Journeys regularly each week and ensuring this and other developmental information is shared with parents and other professionals as necessary.
• Having regular opportunities to reflect on their role as key person with a skilled, knowledgeable manager or colleague.