Settling in at Sticky Fingers Preschool
The first days...
We want your child to feel happy and safe with us. To make sure that this is the case, the staff will work with you to decide on how to help your child to settle into the setting. Our policy states we understand that you know your child best and you can help us to give them the most positive start. We always recommend a home visit; however, we understand this is not always appropriate for everyone and so we are also well equipped at dealing with settling process’ that suit individual’s needs. We have a team of very caring, motivated and dedicated staff who want your child’s time with us to be special and lots of beautiful memories to be made.
What to wear
Sticky Fingers by name, Sticky Fingers by nature. Even though Children are encouraged to wear aprons during messy play, accidents will happen. We will not force children to wear an apron as this can make some children feel uneasy or not want to access certain areas. Please do not send your children in their best clothes. We have jumpers, t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies and fleeces available to order for the children with the Sticky Fingers logo on that will wash well and keep your children’s clothes for best not for nursery. Alternatively send them in clothes you don’t mind becoming ‘nursery clothes’ so to speak. You can ask a member of staff if you are interested in uniform, you will be provided with an order form at your home visit or with your welcome info. Another bonus to wearing uniform is the children will get practise wearing a ‘uniform’ ready for school this helps them get into routine and to distinguish which day is a Sticky Fingers Day.
We do have a mud kitchen so encourage you to have a pair of wellington boots in setting for wet and messy outdoor play. We do provide all in one outdoor clothing protection for the mud kitchen however some children do bring their own to keep at nursery.
Please ensure that your child’s name is clearly marked inside their clothes, coats, hats, wellingtons, bags, lunches and water bottles, etc.
Children can often have the same clothing as peers, so this helps us identify whose is whose.
We enjoy exploring outdoors regardless of the weather; please ensure your child is in suitable clothing. In hot weather please bring a hat and apply sun cream before arrival. Children on full day session require a bottle of suncream in their bags in during the warmer months also. Children will also need a water bottle with their name on that they can leave in setting to access throughout the day.
Please send a rucksack with spare clothing, children can keep this on their peg even if your child is toilet trained there are many other reasons, they may need a change of clothes during the time they are here. We do have spares but often the children prefer their own clothing. Do not send plastic carrier bags with clothing in or lunches. The children’s bags are in the setting therefore plastic carrier bags are not appropriate.
You can come and see what we do and how we do it with your children at the forefront of our practices. We have regular fundraising events we value parents taking part, contributing to the organisation of the setting in individual ways that suit you. We have had grandparents come and read our stories at the end of the session (or parents) we provide lots of exciting opportunities to be involved. We have had parents with various jobs come and show and tell with the children. We have had parents who volunteer in other countries come and teach us about different cultures and experiences. There are lots of ways we can work together to give the children more deepened knowledge and understanding of the world.
Getting to know you personally
Parents/carers can offer to take part in a session by sharing their own interests and skills with the children. Can you speak a language other than English? Have you travelled to an interesting country? Can you play a musical instrument? Do you celebrate Eid, Divali, Hunukah or any other festivals? We love to celebrate festivals and learn as a staff team also. Do you have a hobby or skill which might interest our children? Children love to learn, any ideas you have for a session would always be welcome.
