The Children
The most important people in the group are of course the children, they are the heart of the group and the reason the staff, families and committee work so hard to continually develop the group.
For many Children, starting playgroup is their first step towards independence and possibly their first experience of being left with anyone other than family so having a happy introduction to the group is of vital importance.
The majority of children who attend our playgroup have attended our toddler group first and are therefore familiar with the surroundings, equipment and some of the staff. The routine is slightly different but of course the main change is that their parents will leave.
You know your child best and will know how they cope with this. The staff are happy to support you and your child through the separation process and are happy to make suggestions.
These would include:
Stay with your child for a few sessions but allow them the independence to move away from you and demonstrate to your child that you are happy to let them play with and interact with the other children and adults ( Tip : If you like all the new people, so will they). Try not to follow them around.
Leave the room to do some jobs in the kitchen but explain where you will be. Try not to stand and watch your child.
When you feel your child has settled enough to be left, explain to them beforehand that you are going to do this. Tell them what you are going to do whilst you are gone ( Tip : Try something they don't enjoy, Shopping, Hoovering Etc... ) and reassure them that you are happy to leave them with the staff that you trust and children enjoy being with.
Leave for a short period initially and extend this a little each time. We will be honest about how settled your child has been.
It is worth taking time over the settling in process and there are no golden rules as to what works, every child is different and we want every child to be HAPPY!
For many Children, starting playgroup is their first step towards independence and possibly their first experience of being left with anyone other than family so having a happy introduction to the group is of vital importance.
The majority of children who attend our playgroup have attended our toddler group first and are therefore familiar with the surroundings, equipment and some of the staff. The routine is slightly different but of course the main change is that their parents will leave.
You know your child best and will know how they cope with this. The staff are happy to support you and your child through the separation process and are happy to make suggestions.
These would include:
Stay with your child for a few sessions but allow them the independence to move away from you and demonstrate to your child that you are happy to let them play with and interact with the other children and adults ( Tip : If you like all the new people, so will they). Try not to follow them around.
Leave the room to do some jobs in the kitchen but explain where you will be. Try not to stand and watch your child.
When you feel your child has settled enough to be left, explain to them beforehand that you are going to do this. Tell them what you are going to do whilst you are gone ( Tip : Try something they don't enjoy, Shopping, Hoovering Etc... ) and reassure them that you are happy to leave them with the staff that you trust and children enjoy being with.
Leave for a short period initially and extend this a little each time. We will be honest about how settled your child has been.
It is worth taking time over the settling in process and there are no golden rules as to what works, every child is different and we want every child to be HAPPY!