It is that time of year that sees playgrounds around the country full of impossibly tiny children dressed in a uniform that would seem to fit them for their entire next Key Stage, holding bags bigger than they are, nervously holding the hand of a proud parent, ready to shed a tear when the bell goes.
I know this because this week I was that blubbering mess in the playground as my little girl experienced her first day at school.
This experience once again demonstrated to me how important the first days and weeks are for any child and parent, whatever transition point they are experiencing.
When we routinely manage children's 'first days' at our settings as part of any typical week, ensuring paperwork is in place, nametags are on pegs and all of the logistical issues are dealt with, we can sometimes lose sight of the emotional impact this change has.
Coming in to this unknown environment is a daunting prospect. As nursery practitioners we know how kind and loving we are - but to our newcomers, we are a stranger in an overwhelming world of new experiences.
Change is an inevitable part of life, but there are things that all members of the team can do to help ease it for families.
Home visits are a wonderful opportunity for the child to meet their key worker in a secure and comfortable environment. When sharing a cup of tea with Mummy and playing together on the carpet with their favourite toys, the key worker slowly becomes someone to be trusted, a familiar face when entering an unfamiliar world.
The initial visits to the setting should be timed for a gentle introduction. Choose a quieter time of the week or a more peaceful location, such as a book corner or the shade of a tree. Ensure that the member of staff who is meeting the parents and child has sufficient time to spend with them.
Getting these early days right goes a long way to establish the relationships essential for happy, confident, secure children.
