Settling in

Settling in is different for each age phase, however we are aware it takes time for children and parents to become familiar with the centre and our staff team. All children are unique and the timetable is just a guideline. Some children settle quickly and others need more time to adjust to a new or unfamiliar environment. We will always ensure your child’s key person or familiar member of staff is available to support the process.

Settling in for babies

Day 1
9.00 – 10.00 Parent/carer stays in the room playing alongside and helping to explore and become familiar with the environment

Day 2
9.00 – 10.30 Parent/carer stays to settle for 30mins and then if the child seems happy and settled leaves the room waiting in the foyer or parents/community room

Day 3
9.00 – 11.00 Parent/carer settles child and leaves returning at 11am. It is possible for the parent and carer to leave the centre as long as mobile phone contact is maintained

Day 4
As above

Day 5
9.00 – 12.30 Parents/carers settle child and leave returning at 12pm so the child can experience lunchtime

Day 6
We recommend a shortened day for this final stage of settling in which parents/carers can negotiate individually with your child’s Key Person. The length of the day will depend on how well the settling process has gone and any extension to the settling in period can be agreed at this point if it is necessary.

Settling in for toddlers

Day 1
9.30 – 10.00 Parent/carer stays in the room playing alongside and helping to explore and become familiar with the environment

Day 2
9.10 – 10.30 Parent/carer stays to settle for 30mins and then if the child seems happy and settled leaves the room waiting in the foyer or parents/community room

Day 3
9.10 – 11.00 Parent/carer settles child and leaves returning at 11am. It is possible for the parent and carer to leave the centre as long as mobile phone contact is maintained

Day 4
As above

Day 5
9.10 – 12.30 Parents/carers settle child and leave returning at 12pm so the child can experience lunchtime

Day 6
We recommend a shortened day for this final stage of settling in which parents/carers can negotiate individually with your child’s Key Person. The length of the day will depend on how well the settling process has gone and any extension to the settling in period can be agreed at this point if it is necessary.

Settling in for nursery
For the first week it is very important that you are available to support your child settling into Nursery. We approach settling your child in four distinct phases:

Phase One        9.30 to 10.45am

Phase Two        9.30 to 11.30am (this enables children to experience group times)

Phase Three      9.30 to 12.15pm (children stay for lunch)

Phase Four        9.30 to 3.25pm (full day)