Communication

Zebedees Bristol

Communication with Parents/Carers

We believe good communication between parents and staff is essential and therefore we encourage you to take a close interest in the day-to-day activities of the nursery and to talk to staff whenever you feel you wish to do so. We also have a Parent/Carer Committee which everyone is free to join.

Visits and Key workers

Before your child starts at Zebedees you will be offered the opportunity to settle your child in with a couple of short visits. For the first visit we would ask a parent/carer to stay with their child. At this time you will be introduced to your child’s Key worker, they will show you around again, and spend the time getting to know your child and completing various forms.

The second visit we would suggest you leave your child for a few hours so we are able to see how they settle in. Their Key worker will ensure that they are happy and settled.

During your child’s day the Key worker will make sure that all the children in their care group are stimulated and have plenty of opportunity to try new activities. In the baby room’s they will fill in a daily record book and in the other rooms any information will be passed to you verbally at the end of the day.

When your child is ready to move onto the next room your child’s Key worker will organise the visits and if necessary stay with them while they adjust to being in a different room. They will liaise with you and your child’s new Key worker and will arrange a suitable time with you to meet. All relevant information will be passed to your child’s new Key worker.

Although we will endeavour to move your child at the appropriate age to their next room there will be occasions when this might be delayed. We will keep parents informed of any delays.

 Key worker system

Every child is allocated a Key worker who will assist your child’s settling in, and will help you and your child integrate into the nursery. The Key worker is responsible for keeping up-to-date records and observations allowing us to plan and cater for your child’s individual needs. We aim to work closely with you in this respect.

What you need to provide for your child

Spare clothing - must be named. If toilet training please supply plenty of clothing and remembers to take any soiled or wet clothing home.

Nappies - these can be disposables or re-usable nappies.

Wet wipes - these will be kept with your child’s nappies for their use only.

Baby food - if your child is under one year. This can be either jars or home made food which will be refrigerated until eaten. (This is optional; please speak to your child’s Key worker)

Appropriate clothing - we spend time outside in all weather so please ensure your child is appropriately dressed i.e. hat, gloves & coat. Please ensure all your child’s clothing is named clearly. Whilst we take every possible care of your child’s belongings we cannot be responsible for any lost clothing.

During the summer months please ensure your child has sun cream and a sun hat that provides adequate protection. We also ask parents to apply plenty of cream before they arrive at nursery. (Please ensure you adhere to our sun safety policy)

What the nursery will provide

Breakfast can be provided for your child, but must be requested daily, and consists of toast or cereal.

Lunch will consist of two courses and there is always a vegetarian option. If your child requires a special diet please inform the Nursery Manager.

We provide a light tea e.g. sandwich or cake and fruit plus drinks.

During the day the nursery will provide drinks as needed.

We will provide most baby formulas. Please check with your child’s Key worker who will be able to tell you if we are able to provide your chosen formula.

A mid-morning and afternoon snack of fresh fruit is provided, along with a drink of milk or water.

Parent/Carer Partnership

Parents are children’s first and most enduring educators. When parents and practitioners work together in early year’s settings the results have a positive impact on the child’s development and learning.
It is the policy of our nurseries to encourage active parent/carer involvement. Our aim is to enable parents/carers to feel comfortable within the nursery environment and as partners provide good quality care for your child.

 Settling In

  1. The nursery staff will work in partnership with parents/carers to settle the child into the nursery environment
  2. In the early days parents/carers may stay with their child for enough time to allow the child to feel settled
  3. parents/carers may telephone as often as they wish during the child’s session to discuss their progress
  4. Practices may vary due to the individuality of every child; this will be discussed with the parent/carer by the nursery staff at the time of settling in

Extra sessions

We try our best to accommodate all requests for extra sessions but are limited by the number of children that can be in the nursery each day. All requests for extra days need to be made in writing, either by email or using the request forms by the parent notice board, and we will let you know as soon as possible.