Settling In Procedure

We want children to feel safe and happy in the absence of their parents, to recognise other adults as a source of friendship, support and authority and to be able to share with their parents afterwards the new learning experiences enjoyed in the pre-school.

In order to accomplish this, we will:

  • Encourage the parents to visit the pre-school with their children before they are due to start.
  • Introduce flexible admissions procedures, if appropriate, to meet the needs of the individual families and children.
  • Reassure families that they will be supported throughout their child's settling period.
  • Support parents whose child might be struggling to settle in.
  • Encourage parents, where appropriate, to separate from their child for brief periods at first, gradually building to a full session.
  • Each child will be assigned to a key worker.

Role of the Key Worker

Definition

A key worker has special responsibility for a group of children. Parents and children know the name of their key worker from the beginning of their involvement with the nursery.

Aim

A key worker will ensure that the need of each child is recognised within the setting.

Main Duties

  • To welcome parents and explain the aims of the group and the daily routine.
  • To keep a watchful eye during the setting period and provide help and support to both children and parents, where necessary.
  • To provide for the emotional needs of the child - for example, to comfort and reassure the child at time of distress.
  • To observe the children on a regular basis.
  • To keep records and monitor the child's progress.
  • To spend time each day with their key children.
  • To contribute information about individual children's needs to the planning of the pre-school's curriculum framework, while respecting confidentiality.
  • To plan in order to meet the children's individual interests and requirements.
  • To support and encourage children's self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • To establish a working relationship with parents through constructive, helpful feedback on their child's daily activities and with termly meetings.
  • To show an awareness and appreciation of the various cultural backgrounds of the families, including the home language.
  • To liaise with other professionals where necessary.

It is important to recognise that:

  • The key worker relationship is not an exclusive one.
  • Staff will form bonds with all the children attending the pre-school.
  • Staffs are responsible for the care and education of every child in the setting.