Starting at HTCCC

Everything you need to know before day one

Starting nursery is a big step for any child — and any parent. This page covers everything you need to know before your child joins us, from settling in to what to pack in their bag.

Settling In

A gentle start for every child

Just as each child is individual and unique, so too is the settling in process. Some children settle quickly and confidently; others may be upset, withdrawn or anxious. Both are completely normal.

We understand what a huge step it is for most young children to leave their familiar surroundings and adults. We aim to work with families to make this transition a positive experience for both the child and their parents.

We offer settling in sessions before a child is due to start with us. These sessions enable both the child and their parents to familiarise themselves with the environment, and to feel more confident and relaxed about the transition. We work with parents to arrange these flexibly to meet the needs of the child.

“It is natural to feel anxious about your child embarking on a new adventure away from you. Please be reassured that you are not alone with these feelings, and they are commonplace. Time and perseverance will pay off.”

HTCCC

Settling in sessions

If you think there is something we could do to help you personally with this transition, please get in touch.

Key Person Groups

Your child’s Key Person

When your child starts at the setting, they will be allocated a Key Person — the practitioner who will lead your child’s care throughout their time with us.

What your Key Person does

Building a positive relationship with your child’s Key Person is especially important. It enables us to gain a greater understanding of your child, which allows us to tailor our care to meet their individual needs and interests.

Your Key Person has several key children (depending on age), called a Key Person Group. These groups partake in activities together and share news and exciting information with each other throughout the day.

Famly

Your child’s online learning journey

We use a secure web-based system called Famly to record and share your child’s achievements, progress and milestones.

Access anytime

View your child’s records from your smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC — you don’t need to be at the setting.

Photos & videos

We share photos, videos, voice recordings and written observations. You can also upload your own pictures and notes to share with us.

Parents’ evenings

Twice a year we hold parents’ evenings to discuss your child’s progress together. You can also call or catch us at the end of sessions.

Practical Information

What to know before your child starts

Everything you need to prepare for your child’s first days with us.

Slippers & indoor shoes

Lots of our activities take place on the floor to give children a bigger space to explore. We do not allow outside shoes in any of our three rooms. Please supply a pair of slippers or comfortable indoor shoes for your child to wear. These need to be named and can stay at the setting.

Nappies & wipes

Please supply nappies and wipes for your child as per their requirements. We do accommodate reusable nappies and wipes.

Clothing & spare clothes

We recommend children come in practical clothing and footwear suited to the weather and messy play — not their best outfits. Aprons are provided for painting and similar activities, but children don’t always choose to wear them once they’re immersed in play. Please provide a set of spare clothes in your child’s bag.

Illness & exclusion

Please let us know if your child is unwell. Children with sickness or diarrhoea must stay home until they’ve been symptom-free for 48 hours. Some illnesses, such as chicken pox, require an exclusion period. Mild illnesses like a common cold are usually fine to attend — if you’re unsure, just check with us.

Dietary requirements

The snacks we provide will cater to your child’s individual dietary needs. Please inform us of your child’s needs when they start, and keep us up to date with any changes.

Personal property & comfort toys

We prefer children not to bring their own toys into the setting, particularly those that could easily be broken or lost. However, we do understand that some children have comfort items that help them feel safe and secure — these are always welcome.

Photographs & videos

Photographs and videos are used to document children’s time at the setting. We upload these to Famly and may also use them for displays, the website and social media with your consent. You will be asked to give consent on your child’s day care record sheet. This is not compulsory. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Healthy Childcare status

Our Children’s Centre has been awarded Healthy Childcare status. At each session, children are offered milk or water. A healthy snack is prepared by a group of children on a rota basis — fruit, vegetables, crackers and cheese, crumpets, pitta bread and more. The 50p per session snack contribution covers this. We also arrange regular visits from the oral health nurse.

Got a question?

We’re always happy to talk through anything before your child starts. Call us, email us or come in for a visit.