100% Authentic English Education

Inspiring young minds within the EYFS framework

  • Ages 3 months to 4 years old
  • Holistic EYFS & Creative Reggio Emilia Approach
  • World-class indoor and outdoor facilities
  • Flexible weekly hours, 8am — 6pm
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The Willow Approach

Our wonderful nurseries provide a complete early-years programme based on the Early Years & Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) whilst integrating the Reggio Emilia approach to early-years education.

Willow Children's Nursery is committed to providing parents with the very best start for their children. Our passion is to inspire and intrigue children, so we constantly strive to develop new and innovative ideas that let their imaginations run free. After all, during these early years, children are excited about life and everything around them is a journey of discovery.

Willow Umm Suqeim, Willow Dubai Marina and Willow One Central nurseries all provide a warm, safe and nurturing environment in which children can grow, develop and truly be themselves. Honouring them as an individual and embracing them in a loving environment cultivates a child who is happy, confident and insightful.

We work closely with a variety of UK-based early-years establishments to ensure that we are always up to date with current requirements and policies.

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Unique, engaging environments
Our multi-sensory facilities are designed to excite children through creative and tactile play.
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Happy parent quote
“Selecting Willow nursery was the best decision for my daughter. The faculty, the environment and activities were up to the highest standard. My daughter learnt a lot. And more important the safety measures they are following for the kids are very high. It makes me feel comfortable that my daughter is in a safe environment.”
Maryam. Mother to Hind – 3 years old
Little Acorns Class at Willow Once Central
Age groups
Select the age group of your child to discover what they will experience at Willow Nursery.
Babies 3-12 months
Early learning at its best

We have two dedicated baby units that cater for babies from 3 to 12 months. These beautiful, tranquil rooms are located in our main building for additional safety. Our devoted staff are the highest-qualified UK midwives and early childhood specialists who provide only the very best care and developmental skills needed for your baby.

With a safe place to play, eat and sleep in a secure yet stimulating environment, you can go about your day reassured that your baby is being cared for in just the same way you would care for them.

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Little Willows Class - Willow Dubai Marina

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to own baby outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our baby room
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility just outside the classroom
  • + Baby cots
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
Snowdrops: 3 months – 1 Year - Willow One Central

Room facilities and features include:

  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Sink and baby change facility
  • + Baby cots and rockers
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
  • + Fridge
  • + Bottle maker
  • + Highchairs
  • + Sofa and Rugs
Snowdrops - Willow Umm Suqeim

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to own baby outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our baby room
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility inside the classroom
  • + Baby cots inside the classroom
  • + Separate feeding and napping area
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
Building character

We provide a warm, safe and nurturing environment in which children can grow and develop. Treating children as individuals and embracing them in a loving environment, cultivates a child who is happy, confident and insightful.

We constantly strive to develop new and innovative ideas, and during these early years, our aim is to inspire an excitement for life, discovery and a curiosity to explore the newness of everything around them.

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Seedlings Class - Willow Dubai Marina

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to own baby outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our baby room
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility just outside the classroom
  • + Baby cots
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
Little Willows: 1 Year – 2 Year - Willow One Central

Room facilities and features include:

  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Sofa and Rug
  • + Sink in classroom
  • + Toilet and baby changing unit outside the classroom
  • + Small beds for children
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
Little Willows Class - Willow Umm Suqeim

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to baby outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our baby room
  • + AC unit
  • + Large floor to ceiling windows
  • + High ceiling
  • + Sink and baby change facility inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
Seedlings 1 year - 2 years - Willow Umm Suqeim

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to baby outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our baby room
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
Growing in confidence

Young children learn through experiences, imitation and by being actively involved in the world around them. Our exciting play-based curriculum encourages children to express and build meaning through these experiences.

In these early years we ensure that a child’s natural sense of awe and wonder is nurtured through art, movement, story and language.

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Daisies Class, 2 – 3 years - Willow Dubai Marina

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Large windows
  • + AC unit
  • + Access to large outdoor area using separate entrance
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
  • + Children`s small beds available if required
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Raindrops Class, 30 – 36 months - Willow Dubai Marina

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Large windows
  • + AC unit
  • + Access to large outdoor area using separate entrance
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
  • + Children`s small beds available if required
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Little Acorns: 2 Years – 3 Years - Willow One Central

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Large windows
  • + AC unit
  • + Access to large outdoor area using separate entrance
  • + Sink in classroom
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
  • + Children`s small beds available if required
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Daisies 2 Year – 3 Years - Willow UMM SUQEIM

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to toddler outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our Daisies’ room
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility inside the classroom
  • + Separate dining area inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Willow Cottage 2 years – 3 years - Willow UMM SUQEIM

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to own outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our Willow Cottage class
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Hollies 2 Years – 3 Years - Willow UMM SUQEIM

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our Hollies’ class
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Washroom inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Atelier: 2 – 3 Years - Willow One Central

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to outside
  • + Arts & crafts
  • + Easel
  • + Access to nurse (during operational hours)
  • + Large Window
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Poppies 2 -3 Years - Willow UMM SUQEIM

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our Hollies’ class
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Washroom inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
School-ready

Our highly-qualified and experienced teachers help make the transition from nursery to school as natural as possible. We encourage the social, cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual development of each child.

Our dedicated staff really take the time to get to know your child as an individual, whilst encouraging a natural love of learning. Our play-based curriculum encourages children to express and build meaning through their experiences, preparing them for school and giving them the best start in life.

Our practitioners also continually update their professional qualifications to ensure they always provide the ‘Best Practice’ for your child.

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Moonbeam Class, 36 – 42 months - Willow Dubai Marina

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to outdoor garden area
  • + Large windows
  • + AC unit
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Cherry Blossom Class, 42 months+ (FS1) - Willow Dubai Marina

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to outdoor garden area
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Blossoms: 3 Years – 4 Years  - Willow One Central

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to large outdoor garden area using separate entrance
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows at each end of the classroom
  • + Sofa and Rug
  • + Sink in classroom
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
  • + Children’s small beds for available if required
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Buttercups 3 – 4 Years - Willow UMM SUQEIM

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to large outdoor garden area using separate entrance
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Washroom inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Blossoms 3-4 Years - Willow UMM SUQEIM

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our Blossoms’ class
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Washroom inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Hollies: 3 Years – 4 Years  - Willow One Central

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to outdoor garden area
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Sink in classroom
  • + Interactive board
  • + Sofa & Rug
  • + Toilet and baby changing unit inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Ensure a Successful School Transition

The huge change of going to school can be overwhelming for children. Ensure a calm transition by allowing your child to stay in nursery for a year while learning school curriculum.

Children will benefit from a familiar environment and teachers who know them.

They'll make steady progress with small class sizes and personalised attention, and be fully ready for school when they leave.

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Moonbeam Class, 36 – 42 months - Willow Dubai Marina

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to outdoor garden area
  • + Large windows
  • + AC unit
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Cherry Blossom Class, 42 months+ (FS1) - Willow Dubai Marina

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to outdoor garden area
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Blossoms: 3 Years – 4 Years  - Willow One Central

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to large outdoor garden area using separate entrance
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows at each end of the classroom
  • + Sofa and Rug
  • + Sink in classroom
  • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
  • + Children’s small beds for available if required
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Buttercups 3 – 4 Years - Willow UMM SUQEIM

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to large outdoor garden area using separate entrance
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Washroom inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Blossoms 3-4 Years - Willow UMM SUQEIM

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Access to outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our Blossoms’ class
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Washroom inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
Hollies: 3 Years – 4 Years  - Willow One Central

Room facilities and features include:

  • + Natural light
  • + Direct access to outdoor garden area
  • + AC unit
  • + Large windows
  • + Sink in classroom
  • + Interactive board
  • + Sofa & Rug
  • + Toilet and baby changing unit inside the classroom
  • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
  • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
We learn how they learn

Young children learn through experiences, imitation and by being actively involved in the fascinating world around them. At Willow Children’s Nursery, a child’s natural sense of awe and wonder is nurtured through art, movement, story and language.

Our play-based constructive curriculum encourages children to express and build meaning through their experiences. We’re dedicated to developing the social, cognitive, physical, emotional, and spiritual development of each child.

Our highly-qualified and experienced teachers really take the time to get to know you and your child. Plus, our practitioners continually update their professional qualifications to ensure they always provide the ‘Best Practice’ for your child.

Our engaging curriculum

We follow the curriculum guidelines set by the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage as well as Birth to Three Matters. We are committed to ensuring that we comply with the learning and development goals set out through EYFS nursery planning.

We have a responsibility to ensure positive attitudes to diversity and difference while helping children overcome any barriers that may exist. All our children are given the opportunity to experience a challenging and enjoyable programme of learning and development.

There are seven areas covered by the early learning goals and educational programmes which are split into three prime areas and four specific areas.

3 prime areas
  • + Personal, social and emotional development
  • + Communication and language
  • + Physical development
4 specific areas
  • + Literacy
  • + Mathematics
  • + Understanding the world
  • + Expressive arts and design
Parent communication on-the-go

Wouldn’t it be great to know what your child’s day is really like, from the activities your child has engaged in, to what food they have eaten, when they slept and even how many times they went to the toilet. The Educore app sends out daily reports to parents containing around six photos a day of their child participating in the activities we have planned. The teachers do observations every two weeks and these are also shared on the app. Parents can send teachers messages and teachers can reply back.

Observations and photos from Educore are used to put together a learning journal of the child's time at the nursery. Messages are sent out for upcoming events at the nursery or when something important has to be communicated to the parent. Parents are alerted by receiving notifications on their phones.

Largest outdoor nursery spaces in Dubai

Select a Willow Nursery and take a look around:

Willow Umm Suqeim
Dubai’s finest outdoor-learning nursery

Our specially modified building allows plenty of natural light and space as well as stimulating outdoor playscapes. These include a sand area, large shaded lawns, climbing equipment and gardens that encompass a variety of natural textures. There are also specifically-designed areas that stimulate a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them.

Dubai’s finest outdoor-learning nursery

Our specially modified building allows plenty of natural light and space as well as stimulating outdoor playscapes. These include a sand area, large shaded lawns, climbing equipment and gardens that encompass a variety of natural textures. There are also specifically-designed areas that stimulate a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them.

Dubai’s finest outdoor-learning nursery

Our specially modified building allows plenty of natural light and space as well as stimulating outdoor playscapes. These include a sand area, large shaded lawns, climbing equipment and gardens that encompass a variety of natural textures. There are also specifically-designed areas that stimulate a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them.

Nurse and on-site clinic

The nurse visits each room daily and will be available to discuss and review any issues pertaining to sick or unwell children, as well as any accidents/injuries sustained in the previous 24 hours. In addition, the nurse plays an integral role, in partnership with the practitioners, to ensure your child comes to nursery in good health, and that during the day and at pick-up times, remains healthy and safe.

The primary role of the Nursery Nurse and clinic:
  • + To provide emergency or first aid care to sick or injured children.
  • + Administer nursing care appropriate to the identified needs of the children.
  • + To assist the doctor in conducting medical examinations for all children.
  • + Inform parents of any illness outbreaks at the nursery,
  • + Implement health and safety policies throughout the nursery.
  • + Maintain medical information for all children.
  • + Maintain and submit required records and reports as required by the Ministry of Health.

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    Happy Parent Quote
    “Izzy started at Willow with lot of tears… fast forward to now and the amazing time she is having and no more crying and screaming, A big and great improvement! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Jessie (before lockdown) Perla (after lockdown) have been amazing and patient teachers. And Janette! Our dear superstar Tita Janette, always there for Izzy! We are thankful for these ladies, they made Izzy feel cared for; made sure she enjoys and learns a lot day by day! At Willows Marina, we are comfortable that our daughter is well taken care of and occupied with new activities and learning opportunities everyday.”
    Ilejay Glen. Mother to Isobel – 2 years old
    Seedlings Class at Willow Dubai Marina
    Our Exclusive Locations
    Select the Willow Nursery for more information on the location.
    Willow Umm Suqeim
    Willow Umm Suqeim

    Villa #75, 9C Street,
    Umm Suqeim 2

    Telephone: 04 321 4433
    Mobile: 050 770 9575

    Email Branch
    The Area

    Umm Suqeim is a bustling area known for surf beaches, the Wild Wadi water park and upmarket, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel.

    Popular with families, Kite Beach has paddleboard and kayak rentals along with volleyball courts, a skate park and shaded ice-cream stalls. Casual, buzzy cafes serving artisan coffee, snacks and brunches line Jumeirah Beach Road.

    Umm Suqeim comprises three sub-communities: Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 2 and Umm Suqeim 3. which house affluent residential communities and tourist attractions.

    Schools in the area include Emirates International School, Jumeirah, and King's Dubai School.

    Highlights
    • + Jumeirah
    • + Mall of the Emirates
    • + Burj Al Arab hotel
    Parking

    Parking is very easy here, there is free street parking all around the nursery with easy access to the entrance and for push chairs.

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    One Central DWTC

    Ground Floor, The Offices 2,
    One Central, DWTC

    Telephone: 04 328 6443
    Mobile: 056 401 9941

    Email Branch
    The Area

    This is the region's largest purpose-built complex for events and exhibitions. At the heart of the city's new business district lies One Central, a mixed-use development comprising urban offices, apartments, hotels and retail which will combine living, business and leisure in one prime location.

    The nursery is in the hub of the financial center of Dubai with lots of businesses and trade shows taking place here daily. It's a very important location for business people, bankers and investors.

    Highlights
    • + Dubai World Trade Center
    • + Cafes and shops (inc. Starbucks)
    • + Dry cleaners
    • + Cycling studio
    • + Many hotels
    Parking

    Parking is easily accessible and free of charge. Lifts for strollers are available.

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    Willow Dubai Marina

    Villa #40, Marina First Building,
    Dubai Marina

    Telephone: 04 554 5802
    Mobile: 056 442 7703

    Email Branch
    The Area

    Dubai Marina is an affluent residential neighborhood known for The Beach at JBR — a leisure complex with al fresco dining and sandy stretches. Smart cafes and pop-up craft markets line the waterside promenade of Dubai Marina Walk, while Dubai Marina Mall is packed with international chain and luxury fashion brands. Upscale yachts cruise through the large man-made marina, where activities range from jet-skiing to skydiving.

    Schools in the area include the Emirates International School.

    Highlights
    • + Dubai Marina Mall
    • + Marina Promenade
    • + Marina Quays
    • + Park Island
    • + JBR Beach and walk
    Parking

    There is plenty of parking on the street at the front of the nursery.

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    Check the availability for your child
    See how close to home or the office we are
    Parents info

    At Willow Nursery, we focus on working with parents to understand more about their child’s development.

    We like parents to feel welcome into the nursery and we invite them to share their interests with the children.

    We prefer to work in partnership with parents to successfully settle their child into the nursery. We aim to continue this relationship throughout the child’s time at nursery.

    Parents are encouraged to share their child’s observations and to regularly look at their child’s portfolio as parental involvement is beneficial to children’s learning and development of self-esteem.

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    Willow weekdays

    Sunday to Thursday

    Willow session times

    Our session times are between 7:30am - 6:00pm

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    At Willow Children’s Nursery, all tuition fees are payable when the child first attends the nursery and are in accordance with the fee structure established by Kids First Group under the guidance of MOE/ADEK’s established School Fee Framework.

    Sibling discounts – 5% and 10% savings

    Upon registering a sibling, you will be rewarded with a 5% discount off the term fee for the older sibling. Once there is only one of the siblings attending nursery, the discount will be retracted. In case of triplets, you will be rewarded 10% discount off the term fee.

    Online early-bird registration discount — 10% saving

    When registering your child online during an early-bird offer at any Willow Nursery, you will be rewarded with a 10% discount off the term fee.

    You will need to register online and then a representative from Willow will be in touch to help you complete your registration. This is when you will be able to select the days and times you wish to place your child into your chosen Willow Nursery.

    Selecting the days
    • Sunday
    • Monday
    • Tuesday
    • Wednesday
    • Thursday
    Selecting session times

    Our session times are:

    • 7:30am - 8:00am
    • 8:00am - 1:00pm
    • 8:00am - 2:00pm
    • 8:00am - 3:00pm
    • 8:00am - 4:00pm
    • 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • 8:00am - 6:00pm
    Documentation required

    The following documents are required to complete the registration process

    • + Registration Form
    • + Individual Prole & Care Plan Form
    • + Clinic Information Form
    • + Visual Media Consent Form
    • + Copy of child’s birth certificate
    • + Copy of child’s immunisation records
    • + Copy of Child’s Medical Insurance Card
    • + Copy of Child’s Emirates ID, passport with valid visa
    • + Copy of father’s passport with valid visa
    • + Copy of mother’s passport with valid visa
    • + Copy of mother’s Emirates ID
    • + Copy of father’s Emirates ID
    • + 4 copies of passport-sized photographs – attached to the appropriate forms (child)
    • + Fees Information Policy

    At Willow Children’s Nursery, the safety and security of your children is our top priority

    + We offer a CARD ONLY entry system for parents as well as intercom for visitors.

    + CCTV cameras at the nursery are present within the building for internal use only. These can be viewed at parent's requests.

    + Our qualified nurse conducts regular safety sweeps. She will identify any dangers she may see in and out of the nursery building and check on children's health.

    + The outside areas are all fenced to ensure that children cannot exit the premises at all. We also have fences to separate the younger children from the bigger children during play times when chances of rough play could happen.

    + If a parent is unable to collect their child and wishes to send a relative or someone unknown to nursery staff, we must be given the secret password or have proof of rights to collect the child before they will be released.

    Purpose

    At Kids First Group Nursery we want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in the setting and to feel secure and comfortable with staff. We also want parents/carers to have condence in both their child's wellbeing and their own role as active partners with the nursery.

    Policy statement

    We aim to make the setting a welcoming place where children settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circumstances of children and their families.

    Methods

    Children cannot play or learn successfully if they are anxious and unhappy. Our settling -in procedures aim to assist parents to help their child to feel comfortable in the nursery, to benefit from what it has to offer, to be happy to stay with their teacher and to be confident that their parents will return at the end of the session. We do not believe that leaving a child to cry will help them to settle any quicker; their distress will prevent them from learning and gaining the best from setting. It can also be disruptive and can contribute to triggering similar distress in other children who would otherwise be settled.

    At Kids First Group, we use the following methods to better integrate and induct the younger children into the setting:

    • Before a child starts attending the nursery, we use a variety of ways to provide his/her parents/carers with information via email and inviting you to visit the nursery and have a walk around the week before your child is due to start so the setting becomes familiar to them. *

    • We allocate a teacher to each child and his/her family. When your child starts to attend; the teacher welcomes, gets to know and looks after your child and his/her parents/carers and during the settling-in process. Please ask your teachers who is the allocated person for your child when you join.

    • When a child starts attending the setting, we explain the process of settling-in with his/her parents/carer and jointly decide on the best way to help the child to settle into the nursery. New children will be invited to attend the nursery for a maximum of 2-hour sessions for the first week of term. We also advise our returning children who have travelled to keep the first few days shorter as they are also settling back in.

    • We have an expectation that the parent, carer or close relative, will stay in the setting, but not in the classroom for long periods of times during these settling in periods. Children are encouraged to bring any special comforters, which may help them settle more easily, i.e. soft toy, dummy, muslin.

    • Depending on how freely the child moves around the room and if they have shown some acceptance of their teacher, the parent or carer may then, with the child’s knowledge, leave the room for a short period of time.

    • We encourage the parent/carer to leave their child after approximately 10 minutes if they feel their child is ready on the first day. In the event that your child may not be prepared to separate from you, we suggest you remain in the classroom for 20-30 minutes maximum and then remain in the nursery environment until the teacher shall mutually decide your child should leave with you and return the next day. If you have left your child and he/she becomes extremely unsettled, we will ask you to return to calm him/her down and make sure that your child leaves on a positive note.

    • We also may suggest you slowly increase your child’s time at the nursery, if he shows signs of anxiety. These periods of time can gradually increase as and when the child’s confidence grows until eventually the child stays in Nursery for a full day.

    • Parents/carers must be prepared to accept that it may take some time for their child to adjust to the nursery, but very few children fail to settle eventually. We find that parents staying with their child and then leaving him/her for short periods, eases the separation process. Please remember, the more your child comes and experiences the activities on offer and sees you interacting with the staff, the more settled he/she will feel.

    • Younger children typically take longer to settle, as will children who have not previously spent time away from home. Children who have had a period of absence may also need their parent/carer to be on hand to re-settle them.

    • We judge a child to be settled when they have formed a relationship with their teacher and settled in the environment. For example, the child looks for the teacher when he/she arrives, goes to them for comfort, and seems pleased to be with them. The child is also familiar with where things are and is pleased to see other children and participate in activities.

    When parents leave, we ask them to say goodbye to their child and explain that they will be coming back, and when. We advise parents not to leave their children on their own until at least their second visit.

    We reserve the right not to accept a child into the setting without a parent or carer if the child routinely and continually finds it distressing to be left. This is especially the case with very young children. Settling of such children will take time and the support and assistance parents and carers can give to the nursery staff will be instrumental in making the process as rapid and stress free for the child as possible.

    We do recognize every child is different and wherever possible we will work in partnership to ensure your child settles into the nursery.

    It is only when the child is happy and secure in the Nursery routine and also in the knowledge that their parent/carer will leave and return that their stay in Nursery can be lengthened.

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