Page 8 - Freckles_Handbook

Settling In

We understand that for many children attending our centre this will be their first
time away from family, so it is important that they feel comfortable and secure
in their new environment from their first visit. Settling your child into a new
environment can be an exciting but sometimes daunting experience. Our aim at
Freckles is to make this process as easy and enjoyable as possible. We will therefore
invite you and your child into the centre for visits prior to their start date. This
gives your child the opportunity to trust that Freckles is a safe and fun place to be.
It also gives you and your child the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships
with their special teacher and the other teachers in their room.
Here are some suggestions that can help with settling your child:

• Tell your child about the centre and visit it before leaving your child there.
• Spend some time familiarising yourself and your child within the centre.
• Always reassure the child that you will return.
• Make sure you say goodbye to them every time. If you suddenly disappear,
your child may become more anxious about staying as they have not been
reassured that you will return.
• To assist them settling in, if they wish, let them take a special toy or other
possession, so that they will feel more comfortable.
• Spend some quality time with your child after you have picked them up each
day. Ask them what they did, how they felt etc. Try not to introduce too much
change at the same time.
• Make sure you provide your child’s teachers with all relevant information
regarding your child and their specific needs, including routines and moods.

Give us a call as often as you feel necessary. Very soon your child will be absorbed
in the activities and experiences of the centre and will feel quite at home.

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