Nursery World - Warm welcome

Separation when a child first comes to nursery can be difficult for parent and child alike. Lena Engel gives advice on how staff can get them off to a reassuring start. There is now a good deal of evidence to show that young children benefit from attendance at early years settings and the opportunity to socialise with others. Despite this, many parents find it hard to leave their children in the care of relative strangers and feel guilty about not being around to witness some of their children's milestones of development that will occur when they are at work. Early years practitioners should be sensitive to parents' needs during this vulnerable period.

There is now a good deal of evidence to show that young children benefit from attendance at early years settings and the opportunity to socialise with others. Despite this, many parents find it hard to leave their children in the care of relative strangers and feel guilty about not being around to witness some of their children's milestones of development that will occur when they are at work. Early years practitioners should be sensitive to parents' needs during this vulnerable period.

You can make the initial separation easier with a well-planned settling-in process that helps the child gain emotional balance and enables the parent to feel confident that their child will be safe and happy. A close working relationship with parents will dispel their fears and fantasies and give them the right sense of security about your abilities.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included