Starting At Holding Hands

Tips for Parents and Carers on settling your child into Holding Hands Pre-school

• Your child is an individual, some children will settle quickly and easily, others will take longer and need more time and reassurance.

• Your child will need time to build trusting relationship with the people who will care for him/her in the setting. We will build this new relationship through playing and being near throughout the session.

• Talk to your child before they start, it is very important for your child to understand when you will be there for them, when you will leave, where you will be without them and when you will be coming back to take them home.

• Read stories to your child about attending pre-school, should you be walking or driving past the setting chat about your child’s placement about the things they may do there. Keep it simple and positive.

• Sometimes it is useful if you allow your child to spend some short periods of time with trusted friends or family so your child has experienced time away from you, before they start pre-school.

• It is important for your child to see you building a new positive, trusting relationship with the key worker and staff as your child is likely to copy your behaviour.

• Most importantly even though you may be anxious, try and stay calm otherwise your child may feel they have a reason to be anxious as well.

• We are always here to support and guide you through any questions, concerns, worries please do not hesitate to talk, call or email.