Childcare
Settling in
Tips for settling your child into early learning and childcare
This will depend on how old your child is and whether they have been to childcare before but you should consider the following:
- Take your child along on visits before starting at the childcare. Then, if necessary and if you can, start by leaving your child for, say, half an hour, and build up to longer periods.
- Even when you’re there, let the childminder or key worker take charge so your child gets used to them.
- When you leave, young children may need reassurance that you’ll be coming back and then say goodbye rather than slipping away or looking sad.
- With older children, tell them when you’ll be back.
- Some children may like to take a special toy or blanket so they’ll feel more comfortable.
- Always be happy about the day ahead: your child will pick up on your mood.
- It’s usual to feel nervous. But remember that babies and young children are never confused about who their parents are, and outside influences can be very positive.
Getting involved
- Talk to your childcare provider about your child – they can use what you tell them in what they do together.
- Most providers will give you written information about how your child is doing – a diary or a folder, perhaps – and will tell you about progress each day.
