As the holidays come to an end, it is time to double check we have everything in place ready for the the new term.
Cover all the essentials with these 7 steps:
👣1. Welcome Children and Families
Whether you are welcoming back existing children and families or welcoming new ones there are lots you can to do make everyone feel included and at ease.
✔ Organise welcome meetings and settling in sessions to gradually introduce new children into the setting and routine
✔ Set up new or favourite activities to spark interest and excitement and provide inspiration through new displays
✔ Play games that will help you and children get to know one another …great for encouraging social and communication skills!
👣2. Inform Parents and Carers
Make sure you have provided both new and existing families with all of the information they need to know about your setting including any changes for the term ahead.
✔ Put together a Service Information Booklet detailing everything families need to know
✔ Check, update and share setting policies to ensure parents are clear on rules and procedures
👣3. Check Details
Ensure you have obtained, checked and updated essential information to ensure children’s individual needs are met.
✔ Complete or update Care Plans with essential care information including allergies, health or additional support requirements.
✔ Check Emergency Contact details are correct and can be easily accessed if necessary
👣4. Assess Safety
Double check toys and equipment and review your safety procedures
✔ Carry out a thorough Risk Assessment of all areas to ensure your setting is safe and secure
✔ Consider how you intend to keep children safe on outings and when travelling to and from the setting.
✔ Refresh knowledge of Child Protection and the procedures to be followed to keep children safe from harm.
👣5. Plan Ahead
Ensure your setting is always organised with effective planning techniques
✔ Use organisers to manage tasks and record information
✔ Schedule for the week ahead and prepare meals and snacks
✔ Plan activities, topics and themes around children’s interests and special dates
👣6. Record Events
Consider the methods you have in place ready to record what happens in your setting
✔ Use logbooks to record significant events whilst ensuring appropriate procedures are followed
✔ Journal activities and experiences
✔ Monitor children’s learning and development progress against relevant learning frameworks
👣7. Share Information
Have appropriate techniques in place to regularly share and communicate information with families
✔ Complete diaries or use digital methods to share information about children’s daily routines and activities
✔ Keep learning records to inform parents of their child’s progress and how they can be further supported at home
✔ Share news, celebrate achievements and seek the views of all service users to involve everyone in ongoing improvements
