Your Baby In Childcare
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At each of our childcare centres our teachers care about the holistic wellbeing and development of your baby β that is, emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually.
The programmes we provide are designed to support your baby and provide a caring and nurturing environment.
Safety
We understand that making the decision to put your baby in childcare can be worrying. And the biggest worry is often about your baby’s safety. At all of our centres we:
- Have more than one adult in the room with the children at any one time.
- Have policies and procedures that specifically relate to babies. For example, sleep monitoring and feeding.
- Take health and safety very seriously and provide clean and hygienic environments for all children.
- Provide age-appropriate environments for babies and toddlers. For example, in our nurseries our cots meet relevant safety standards, our toys are large enough so babies can’t swallow them, and climbing equipment is low so babies can’t hurt themselves but provide challenge in order to further their physical development.
- Provide a dedicated nursery and playground separate from the older children or a safe space both inside and out that allows them to be with children of their own age and size.
- Implement policies to keep sick children at home.
- Implement strict hygiene procedures around nappy changing.
Nurturing
Another worry is who will be caring for your baby and if they will be nurtured like they are at home. At our centres:
Our infant and toddler teachers:
- are chosen due to their special affinity with this age group. These teachers specialise with this age and are very nurturing. They love to get to know each baby, their special routines and sharing with parents in the celebration of each milestone that their baby reaches.
- focus on having meaningful and caring interactions with each baby.
- know how to, and respond to, each child as the unique individuals they are.
Our centres provide babies and toddlers with:
- a warm and calm environment.
- individual bed linen for each child.
- their own cot where possible.
- a wide variety of both toys and experiences. Some of the best learning they can have is simply by being in an environment with other babies and toddlers.
- new and interesting activity areas for your child to explore and learn from
- safe learning and sleeping environments.
Attention
It’s normal to initially worry about if your baby will receive enough attention when in childcare. Β At our centres:
- Children form close relationships with some teachers who help settle them into the new environment and who act as your go-to person if you have any worries or questions.
- We use a “primary caregiver” system where possible.
- Provide nursery books for all under 1 year olds. This is a personal record book of your baby’s sleep patterns, food intake, nappy changes and behaviour for the day. It’s also very important that you contribute so we can work together for your baby’s best interests.
- Create and maintain a Special Achievement Journal / Portfolio that chronicles each of your baby’s learning and development milestones.
Individual Routines
- Your child’s individual routine will be followed when they come to our centre. They will be able to sleep when they need to and be fed when they need to. We will feed them expressed breast milk or formula β what ever you choose. Additionally, you are welcome to come into the centre and breast feed them in a quiet and private area if you wish.
- As your baby grows older we will work, in consultation with you, to introduce them to the centre routine.
- Once your baby is eating solids, and where we provide food, we will introduce them to the centre menu. The menu is Healthy Heart Ticked, uses fresh produce & ingredients, and is prepared on site by our qualified cooks.
- When it’s time for toilet training we will work with you so there is consistency between home and the centre. We’re here to support you as a parent and to get the best outcome for your child.
Settling
We understand that it is a difficult decision to leave your baby in the care of someone else.
Please talk to your Centre Manager about any concerns you may have and together you can work out a plan to settle your child in. The plan may include:
- Some initial visits so you can observe what happens in the centre and get to know your baby’s new teachers.
- Start with reduced hours to ease your baby or toddler into the centre environment.
- Call us as often as you need to check on your baby.
- Bring in to the centre your baby’s special comforter.
Sometimes it takes a while for babies and toddlers to settle in to new environments. We understand how hard this is for both you and your baby, but we will work together to make it a successful transition. Additionally, our teachers will keep a close eye on your baby and will always be there with lots of cuddles for them.
