Your Child's First Day 
 

We know how daunting it can be sending your precious bundle off to a childcare setting, but, rest assured, your child will be treated like one of our own! Every child is different, and their resilience to new experiences can differ wildly. We have had children settle after a few days, and some take a few weeks. Eventually, your child will be smiling and waving you off at the door!

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We follow a 'Door Policy', where you swiftly hand your child over at the door in the morning, say a quick goodbye and leave. This not only reduces the stress on your child, but also for our other children and for yourself as a parent. You will be regularly updated via WhatsApp throughout the day and communication is made via your child's 'Daily Diary', that you will be given on your child's first day. This must come with your child each day as this is how we effectively communicate with you as parents. If your child wears nappies, we will also provide you with a labelled 'nappy bag' to ensure nappies/wipes/creams are not mixed up. 

When you collect your child, it is quite normal for them to become upset when they see you (even if they haven't been upset all day), this should quickly settle as they get used to the routine. Upon pickup, we will have a quick chat about anything specific we need to tell you, otherwise it will be a quick 'good day' or a 'tricky day' as we hand over your child, as all of the information you need will be in the Daily Diary (and we will have communicated with you throughout the day so you will already be up to date). 

Please take a look below to ensure your child is fully prepared for their first day:

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What do you need to pack for your child?

• A bag/ backpack with their name on

• Their daily record book (this is supplied on their first day)

• Their nappy bag if applicable (this is supplied on their first day)

• If bottle fed: Enough clean, sterilised bottles for feeds (these will be sent home rinsed only)

• If bottle fed: Enough formula or breast milk for feeds (this can be pre-made or in powder form to make up using a 'prep machine'). 

• If providing own food: Insulated lunch box/bag with breakfast, lunch & tea (with 2 snacks). If providing warm meals, the food must be cooked if applicable, and can be re-heated at your request. Please see our Healthy Eating Policy on recommended foods to supply  

• Spare clothes (including underwear for dry children)

• Coat/ jacket/ jumper

• Nappies or pull-ups (please always include spares)

• Baby wipes

• Clean drinks bottle for water

• A dummy and/or comforter that your child uses to sleep if applicable

• A blanket if your child uses this during sleep

• Any seasonal items such as winter hat, summer hat etc,

• In hot weather, we ask that you apply sun cream prior to attending, send the sun cream with your child (labelled) and we will apply throughout the day. Please see our 'Sun Protection Policy' for further details. 

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How you can prepare your child:

• If you are able, leave your child with a loved one for a short period of time for your child to get used to leaving you. It is common for parents to spend every waking moment with their child and this will naturally be difficult for both mum and child when starting in childcare. 

• If safe to do so, leave the room for short periods and return so that your child gets used to you returning after a period of time. 

• If your child is at an age of understanding, talk to your child about starting childcare. Talk about what fun we will have and how many new friends they will make. 

• Purchase or rent a book from the library to read with your child about 'First Day's'. We find 'Lulu's First Day' by Anna McQuinn very good.