The settling in process is of vital importance to the smooth introduction of a child and it’s parents into the nursery, hopefully minimising distress.
The purpose is for the child to gradually get to know it’s key person and to begin to form a bond together. It is also an important time to start building a relationship and rapport with the parent, essential if they are to feel able to trust us.
Babies & Toddlers Guide to Settling Times
Child attending Full Time
Monday 10.30 –12.30 With parent
Tuesday 10.30 –12.30 Parent leaves room at around 11.00. Sits in the Staff room with a drink (tea / coffee) for 10 mins. If child ok then leaves the building.
Wednesday 9.30 –2.30 Parent settles child in. Leaves as soon as possible. Child stays for lunch and sleep. Parent to ring around 1.00pm to see how the child is & settled down.
Thursday 9.00 –4.00 Parent to ring again around 1.00pm.
Friday Usual day / Times.
Child attending Part Time
When settling in children part time, this process would be done over at least a two-week period, for example:- Child attending Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
1st Week
Monday As Monday full time 10.30 –12.30
Tuesday As Tuesday full time 10.30 –12.30
Wednesday As Wednesday full time 9.30 –2.30
2nd Week
Monday As Wednesday full time 9.30 –2.30
Tuesday As Thursday full time 9.00 –400
Wednesday Full Day.
With any child settling, if they are particularly upset the entire time they are in nursery the settling-in period will slow down and each day will not automatically get longer.
Always discuss this process with your supervisor in these cases. Do not accelerate the process. It is better a child leaves slightly early and happy, than stays too long and becomes upset.
Although a child may appear to have settled quickly i.e. stopped crying, it takes several weeks before the child will fully understand the nursery routine and have built a bonding relationship with its key person.
It will be important to spend extra time with that child over a number of weeks, not just in their settling-in days.
Pre School and Nursery Class Guide to Settling Times
Child attending Full time
Depending on the child’s previous experience i.e. whether they have been used to leaving parent, have had alternative care, attended crèche / playgroup, the settling process tends to be a lot faster. However it will very much depend on each individual child.
Monday 10.30 –12.30 Parent stays until 11.30ish. Sits in staff room with drink (tea / coffee) for 15 mins. If child ok, leaves building.
Tuesday 10.30 –2.30pm Parent settles child in. Leaves around 11.00ish.
If child confident, staff to spend this time (½ hrs. until 11.00) continuing to build a rapport with the parent. Parent to ring at 12.30 if child doesn’t sleep; at 1.00pm if the child usually does, ensuring child settled.
Wednesday 9.30 – 3.30 Parent to ring around 1.00pm.
Thursday Full day
Friday Full day
With any child settling, if they are particularly upset the entire time they are in nursery the settling in period will slow down and each day will not automatically get longer.
It is better a child leaves slightly early and happy, than stays too long and becomes upset.
Although a child may appear to have settles quickly i.e. stopped crying, it takes several weeks before the child will fully understand the nursery routine and have built a bonding relationship with its key career.
