8 Tips For Starting Nursery
A new school year is rapidly approaching, and you may be getting ready to enrol your baby or toddler at a local nursery. This can be a nerve-racking time for both parents and children.
However, with these eight top tips, you can rest assured that your little one is enjoying their early years' education safely and comfortably.
Check Ofsted
Ofsted is a government organisation responsible for inspecting the safety and educational standards of every registered educational setting and child care provider in the UK. Ofsted will carry out an inspection of a nursery setting at least once every six years. The results of these inspections are then published on the official website. You can then read the thorough report and those from previous years, taking note of any changes and the official Ofsted rating - outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
Familiarise Your Child With The Setting
Children thrive in familiar environments; therefore, it is easy to understand why they might be fearful of a new setting. Babies start experiencing "stranger danger" from as young as four months. Luckily, most settings offer settling-in sessions, allowing you to stay with your child for an hour or so as they become familiar with their new surroundings and caregivers. Prior to these sessions, it is vital to communicate with your child about their new adventure. Consider reading together - The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright is a fun, reassuring guide to navigating anxiety and easing nerves.
Prepare For Illness
Unfortunately, there is no avoiding it - your child will contract sniffles and bugs. Your child will be particularly susceptible during the settling-in period. The convergence of babies and young children from numerous households is bound to result in contagion; however, your child's immune system will slowly become more robust. Children are notorious for spreading germs amongst one another, so keep the medicine cupboard stocked with plenty of Calpol.
Consistency Is Key
If your little one is having trouble settling in, there will be days when it might seem easier to give up the fight and skip nursery altogether - but make an effort to power through. Young children thrive on routine. This may take patience and persistence, but a well-established daily routine is highly beneficial to your child's development and well-being. It is vital for parents and nursery practitioners to work in partnership so that a consistent nursery schedule can be coordinated and deviated from as little as possible.
Comforters
During their first few weeks or months at nursery, your baby or toddler might benefit from a comforter, especially at nap time. A comforter can be any object that gives your little one a sense of security. From the scruffiest, well-loved teddy bears to the softest organic baby blankets, whatever reminds your child of home will soothe them during this precarious time.
Sensible Clothes
Your child is highly likely to engage in messy play and art activities, which are integral parts of the EYFS framework; therefore, sending them in wearing their best clothes is not a fantastic idea. Most nurseries would advise you to dress your child in comfortable clothes that are easy to get on and off for changing times. Ensure you include a sun hat during the hotter months and a waterproof outdoor coat for cold, wet weather.
Label EVERYTHING
This is one tip that your children's caregivers will thank you for. During their day at nursery, children often have several changes due to spilt food, water play or toileting accidents. It is incredibly easy for clothes to become mixed up (particularly if two children are wearing the same garment). Minimise the risk of your child's clothes accidentally going home with another family by labelling everything clearly.
Let Them Go
Who is more upset when you part ways at the nursery door? Your child or you? It may feel comforting to draw out the morning handover and grab one last cuddle, but a swift, affectionate, reassuring goodbye is all that's needed. Nursery practitioners are experts at calming any tears or tantrums, and hanging around will only exacerbate the situation. Best rip the plaster off and leave them to it. If you need peace of mind throughout the day, most settings will be happy for you to ring and check how your little one is getting on.
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