Tots Nursery Schools
A place for little people with big dreams
Childcare FAQs
Here we hope to provide answers to the many frequently asked questions regarding general childcare issues.
Q. When is the best time to settle my child at nursery?
A. There is no definite perfect age. There are times to avoid, like a few weeks before or after a new sibling has been born, or when a major event for the family has occurred such as moving house or parents separating. Generally though the younger the better. Young babies
normally adapt very quickly and really enjoy the fun of being at nursery. Toddlers up to the age of 2.5 also settle well but bear in mind that as children get older they become more aware of their own feelings and some children will finding parting from their parents very much harder as they get older.
Q. My child is not settling at nursery, what should I do?
A. Assuming that there are no problems other than parting from you, liaise with your child's nursery and discuss the possibility of using what we at Tots call the 'softly softly' approach. This means simply that attendance is built up very slowly starting with as little as ten minutes a day and building up gradually until the attendance you require is achieved happily. Make sure you speak positively about nursery so that your child picks up from you that nursery is great fun and to be enjoyed not dreaded. Include your child in preparing for nursery and encourage him/her to take in a book from home to share with nursery friends.
Q. My child often returns from nursery having 'lost' his cup, coat or book. What can I do?
A. Best thing you can do is use a permanent marker pen and name everything you can that he takes into nursery. The nursery will be grateful too!
Q. My son says another boy at nursery keeps hitting him, shall I ask to speak to his parents?
A. The best option is to discuss this with your son's keyworker. If this is happening the nursery must be aware of it and it is really best if the child who is being rough is dealt with by the nursery. You may also discover through your discussion with the keyworker that your child is joining in and they are both fighting! If the other child is really hitting your child then the nursery must sort the problem out. Generally at Tots we would exclude the perpetrator from a favourite game or activity and insist on an apology. If the situation continued his parents would be spoken to by us.
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