Settling In

Starting nursery is an exciting time but for some children it can be a difficult period. We therefore have a gradual settling-in procedure to support children and ensure a smooth transition from home to nursery and we would ask if the parent/carer could be available for the first week to help settle your child.

On the first day your child will be at nursery for approximately 1 hour. Each day the time will be gradually extended until he/she is happy to be left.

Your child will have a Key Worker which offers them a sense of security and provides a close link for the parent/carer.  Staff aim to ensure that your child feels welcome safe and secure.  During this initial period your child will be introduced to other children and will be supported to form friendships. He/she will be shown the play and learning opportunities that are available, introduced to the safety routines, and learn about our mascot Gerard the giraffe’s nursery rules (Gerard’s rules are about kindness and sharing).

Suitable Clothing
Your child will be participating within various activities that may be messy, please wear play clothes and not their best clothes.

We always try to make sure they are wearing aprons but accidents happen!

Please make sure that your child has suitable outdoor clothing as outdoor play is part of our daily curriculum. A waterproof jacket will be required in wet weather and wellingtons as our garden gets muddy in the winter months. We ask all parents to ensure their child has a change of clothes in their bag (if possible label your child’s clothes), please do not bring a “school bag” for your child. Other children may go into them and remove toys, sweets, drinks etc.

There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in Glasgow City Council educational establishments, such as items of clothing which

•  could potentially encourage factions (such as football colours);
•  could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans);
•  could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing, Hooped earrings
•  carries advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco.

Attendance
Regular attendance is very important for every child’s progress and continuity. Your
child should attend on a daily basis unless he/she is ill. If your child is unable to attend
nursery for any reason, it is very important you inform the nursery to let us know
why. It is our policy to contact the parent/carer of a child who has an unexplained
absence. A call may be made to other family members (emergency contacts) if we
are unable to contact a parent or carer.

Arrival and Collection of Children
It is expected that a responsible adult will escort the child to/from Nursery.
In the interests of your child’s safety always tell a member of staff if he or she is to be
collected by someone not known or expected by staff members, give them a password
and staff will record this to avoid confusion at collection times. A child will not be
allowed to leave with an adult who is a stranger to staff or not the person expected.
Please ensure you are on time to collect your children and if for any reason you are
running late please call and let us know. Staff operates on a shift rota therefore we
must ensure staff/child ratios are met at all times.