Principle
“Settling-in is an interim stage in the transition between home and the outside world. Children’s whole future attitude to new experiences could be affected by how this situation is managed. Due care and attention must be paid to a child’s need for time to settle into any setting”.

Statement of Intent
At the service we aim to ensure children feel safe and secure in the absence of their parents/guardians.

Policy and Procedure
The service will therefore endeavour to make the settling-in process a positive experience for children and will work closely in partnership with parents/guardians to ensure this is achieved.

We recognise that in some cases there may be particular difficulties experienced by children, parents/guardians, and staff during the settling-in period and we are prepared to explore and consider various ways of settling children into the service. All children are individuals and we plan to meet their individual needs and resolve any difficulties quickly and smoothly. In order to accomplish this, we will ensure that:

Pre-Admission
• The service invites the child and parents/guardians to visit at an agreed time.
• We offer phased/staggered settling-in.
• Prior to enrolment exchange of information will take place between parents/guardians and staff. In order to meet the needs of each child parents/guardians will be asked to fill out the “All About Me” form. Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide us with information on their child’s likes/dislikes, interests, achievements etc.

Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 (Síolta Standard 9: Health and Welfare, Síolta Standard 13: Transitions) (National Standard 1: Information, National Standard 3: Working in Partnership with Parents/guardians or Guardians, National Standard 6: Evaluation, National Standard 8: Care, Play and Learning, National Standard 9: Nurture and Well-Being)