At Little Squirrels we want children to feel confident, safe and happy within our setting, as well as feel secure and comfortable with staff. We also want you as parents to have confidence in both your child’s wellbeing and your role as an important partner within our setting.
Our aim is to make the setting a welcoming homely space for your child, to create a secure relationship for your child within our setting, to make the setting a place where your child can settle in quickly and comfortably.
At Little Squirrels we aim to be flexible with our daily routine to support and cater for all children’s individual eating and sleeping patterns (particularly for younger children) this is to make the transition to nursery from home as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Little Squirrels settling in process
Before you register your child, we will provide you with the opportunity to visit the nursery with your child and meet the staff team.
We will then start settling in sessions 2 weeks before your child is due to start, you will meet with the room supervisor and any room assistants.
It is important to remember all children are different and have come from very different backgrounds and experiences, so settling in sessions are tailored to meet the needs of your child as an individual.
Settling in sessions are equally a process for parents/carers, leaving your child for the first time can be a very anxious process so we are here to support you.
The first settling in session will be for an hour, parents/carers/close relative will come in with their child and form a bond with the team. During this time your child will be observing your relationship with the team, this will reassure your child that they can trust them too. During this first visit you will tell the team everything about your child, sleep routines, how they like to be put to sleep, feeding routines, likes, and dislikes. We will mirror the best we can the child’s routine, this will help the child to feel more comfortable and that their individual needs are being met.
During the settling in session your child may form a bond with a specific person, this will be your child’s key person. (Separate key person policy)
During your first settling in session you should bring family photographs for our family board, this helps the child to feel even more at home at comfortable in the environment, this also helps your child to feel special and valued as an individual.
Depending on how the first settling in session went the second one will be for a couple of hours, this is where the parents/carers will either leave the child or stay again for the 2 hours. The reason why we don’t let the parents stay for a little bit then leave is because its confusing for the child.
When you leave your child, we ask that you say goodbye, fully explain to them that you will be coming back later, and let them know when you’ll be back. (Such as saying, ‘Mummy will be back after you eat lunch’.) By slipping out while your child is engaged in play is going to cause them more distress as they may feel unsure where you have gone.
The third settling in session your child will feel more familiar and will stay for lunch, this will introduce them to another part of the daily routine.
The fourth session will be for a long session, they will experience the day with us and possibly have a sleep here if they have one.
This is just an example of how we settle children in but they may need more sessions depending on the individual needs of the child. We consider a child to be settled when they have formed a relationship with their Key-Person. Each child should also be familiar with where things are in their room and be happy to participate in activities.
We reserve the right not to accept a child into the setting without a parent or carer if the child finds it too distressing to be left with us. This is especially the case with very young babies.
Separation anxiety – This literature has been taken from the NHS website.
“Babies and toddlers often get clingy and cry if you or their other carers leave them, even for a short time.
Separation anxiety and fear of strangers is common in young children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, but it's a normal part of your child's development and they usually grow out of it.”
Why separation anxiety happens
‘If your baby used to be calm when you left the room and they were happy to be held by people they didn't know, it may not seem to make sense when they start crying whenever you're not there or strangers are close.
But separation anxiety is a sign your baby now realises how dependent they are on the people who care for them. That can include their grandparents or professionals closely involved with their care, as well as their parents.
As they get more aware of their surroundings, your baby's strong relationship with this small group means they don't feel so safe without you. Their growing awareness of the world around them can also make them feel unsafe or upset in new situations or with new people, even if you are there.’
How to handle separation anxiety
‘Separation anxiety can make it difficult to leave your baby at nursery or in someone else's care. You may feel distressed by their tears and worry about the effect on your baby every time you need to leave them.
Remember, it's only natural for your baby to feel anxious without you, so there's no reason to feel guilty when you need to get on with other parts of your life. In fact, separation anxiety is usually a sign of how well you have bonded with them.
Instead, you can focus on helping your baby understand and deal with their feelings so they feel more secure. They'll learn that if you leave them, they will be OK and you will come back. If your baby's old enough, you can talk to them about what's happening, where you're going and when you'll be with them again.
By leaving your baby with another caregiver, you won't damage them. You're actually helping them learn to cope without you, and that's an important step towards their growing independence. Don't be too hard on yourself – separation anxiety is common and it's normal.’
Tips for separation anxiety
‘Dr Angharad Rudkin, a clinical psychologist, has these tips to help you.
Practise short separations from your baby to begin with
You could start by leaving them in someone else's care for a few minutes while you nip to the local shop. Leave your baby with someone they know well so they still feel comfortable and safe in your absence. Gradually work towards longer separations, and then leaving them in less familiar settings.
Talk about what you'll do together later
Talk to your toddler about what you're going to do when you see them again so they have something to look forward to with you. For example, you could say: "When Mummy comes back to pick you up, we'll go to the shop together to get food for dinner."
Leave something comforting with your baby - It may comfort your baby to have something they identify with you – like a scarf with your scent on or a favourite toy – close by. This may reassure them while you are away.
Make saying goodbye a positive time - When you leave your baby, however sad or worried you may be feeling, smile and wave goodbye confidently and happily, otherwise they will pick up on your tension. By giving your baby experience of saying goodbye then having happy reunions, you are teaching them an important life lesson.