First Few Days
The first days -settling in.
A child learns best when they are relaxed and happy, so it is important for parents and staff to work together to help the child to feel confident and secure. Your child’s Key person will discuss a settling in plan with you before starting.
We recommend all parents read our policies below:
What to wear
In order for children to feel free to explore and experiment with all kinds of materials, includingmessy ones, it is best for them to come dressed in old clothes that are easily washable. Shoes should be suitable for active play – running, climbing, dancing and exploring. Wellington boots are not suitable for indoor play.
Toileting
Easy to fasten clothing makes it easier to go to the toilet, and change into outdoor clothes without being too dependent on adult help. Children do not have to be potty-trained in order to start preschool; staff will support any toilet training plans you are following and we recommend you read our intimate care policy and nappy changing policy. We will need a change of clothes for your child.
Snack Time
You will be asked to bring fruit a few times each term (depending on the number of sessions your child attends), to share at snack time. Children enjoy choosing their favourite fresh, dried or tinned fruit, or raw vegetables. Five or six pieces of fruit/veg is usually plenty, and we hope your child will enjoy helping their Key person prepare the fruit for all their friends to enjoy. We suggest you bring a familiar favourite like apples, bananas or raisins, and perhaps something else more unusual which your child chooses.
More information on food and drink can be found in the food and drink policy.
Key Person and Planning
Our key person system gives each member of staff particular responsibility for a small group of children. Each child has one special adult to relate to, which can make settling into preschool very much easier. The key person maintains links with the child’s family, working with parents to ensure that all children are supported to reach their full potential. Debbie maintains an overall view of the key groups and works with key persons to ensure that every individual child is planned for, to support their unique development. We welcome your input as the child’s primary carer to feedback on activities and suggest new directions for learning. Please see our policy on the Role of the key person and settling-in.