Settling in
As each child and their parents/carers have different needs and you know these best of all, we do not have a rigid settling in programme. Staff will discuss and agree these arrangements with you individually. You are welcome to stay for as long and as often as you like, until your child feels settled, and indeed we welcome you at any time during your child’s stay with us. All staff and in particular your child’s ‘Key Person’ will endeavour to help you and your child feel at home and staff are always available should you have any questions or concerns.
A key person’s main duties will be to assist the child to settle into the Pre-school by:
- Introducing the parents/carers to the Pre-school
- Talking with parents/carers
- Keeping a special watchful eye on the child in the first few sessions
- Assisting the child to integrate and settle well into the Pre-school environment
- To provide for the emotional needs of the child e.g. to comfort and reassure the child at any time.
- To care for the child’s physical needs e.g. to assist with toileting or snack time as appropriate.
- To identify the child’s needs and incorporate them within the curriculum, ensuring that account is taken of race, culture, religion, language and family values.
- Observing, keeping records and monitoring the child’s progress.
- Liaising with parents/carers, encouraging them to contribute expertise.
- To develop a day-to-day rapport with parents/carers, informing them of their child’s activities and achievements and being available, at the beginning and end of each session to answer any questions or concerns.
- To contribute information about individual children to the planning of the Pre-school curriculum framework whilst respecting confidentiality as necessary.
- To liaise in conjunction with parents/carers and with statutory/professional personnel as necessary