Transition to school nursery

[natlou82]

I'm just after a bit of advice. I've been minding a child 1 day a week, rest of the time he's been with parents. In a couple of weeks he is starting school nursery 5 morning sessions and I will continue care 2 afternoons per week. This is going to be a huge change for him as he does suffer with separation anxiety. In terms of the EYFS how much is expected of me? I would like the child to have free play / relaxation time after much more structured mornings.

[Maza]

Well, put it this way, you have to be comfortable with what you show Ofsted in relation to this child. So, while it is tempting to think that we don't have to do very much for children who are with us for short amounts (I am honestly not for one moment suggesting that this is what you meant) then fine, but would you feel confident justifying that to Ofsted or would you be selling yourself short by having very little to show them?

Obviously we wouldn't have nearly as much to show as we would for a full time child, and that can't be helped, but it is quality, not quantity that counts. Yes, he will need chill out time, but even if he 'just' plays with the train track all afternoon there will be some sort of observation that would be worth writing down. When he has lunch/snack at yours maybe he learns to use a knife and fork - a great observation. If he learns to put on his own coat but cannot yet do up his own zip then you might have this as a next step and plan to start getting ready to leave the house five minutes sooner so that he has got time to practise his zip, or get out cushion covers/toys with zips for next week when he comes. No need to plan elaborate learning activities.

Also, use the opportunity to find out what his topics are at nursery (newsletter/topic web usually provided by school nurseries, or info might be on school website) and have a think about how you could support these in simple ways, such as borrowing books from the library on his topic, or reinforcing key topic words as you walk home from nursery or as he plays. Ask parents to keep you informed of any target that nursery set for him (usually after parents eve) ad see if you can support those too.

I'm sure you would be doing all of the above anyway - I think most of us facilitate lots of learning without even realising it. Just make sure that you have all the boxes ticked for Ofsted to prove that you are indeed meeting the child's needs. You don't need to write reams though.

[natlou82]

Thanks Maza, that is pretty much along the lines of what I was thinking. I really like the zip idea! I should be meeting with mum next week so I'll have a chat about sharing topics and nursery targets.