Settling in at the Nurseries
It can be very unnerving for a parent to get used to leaving their child at a nursery for the first time. We try to make the transition as easy as possible for you both and will work alongside you until your child is happily settled without you.
Once we receive your application form, and can confirm a place and a starting date, we will ask you to arrange 3 one hour visits to the nursery with your baby or child before the first day.
The first visit will be for your child and at least one parent or carer.
The Manager will introduce you to the Senior Early Years Practitioner of the appropriate age group and leave you to spend some time in the group.
You'll be given a number of forms to complete so that we have full details about your child, their medical history and any particular likes or dislikes that we may need to help with the settling in period.
Babies have an extra form to cover details about your chosen formula milk and list which foods have been successfully introduced into their diet.
On the second visit you will again spend time with your child in the appropriate age group. If your child sees you are relaxed with the staff and at ease in the group it will make it much easier for him/her to start to settle and play.
On the third visit we will ask you to leave your child with us for an hour. This will give us a chance to see how easily he/she settles once you have left, and if they become a little upset we can honestly tell them that "Mummy" or "Daddy" will be back soon. Once you return you may be able to watch them playing happily before they notice you are back.
A child's response to being left at a nursery for the first time can vary drastically. Some will wave goodbye happily to the parent/s on the first day, but others may take several weeks to adjust. Please don't let this worry you.
You can be absolutely sure that our staff will not let your child be upset for long periods without contacting you by telephone to discuss the situation. It's very common for a child to cry when you leave, but be playing happily within 2 or 3 minutes. It is simply that they find the first few moments of separation from you difficult until you are out of sight.
As long as we work closely together the settling period will not take long. Remember that this is YOUR child and you're welcome to telephone as often as you like - or to ask as many questions as you need to - until you're confident that your child is settled and happy.