Settling-In Policy
5.0 Settling-In Policy
The purpose of a settling-in period is to come to a mutually agreeable arrangement, which suits the child, parent/guardian and Childminder.
A Settling-In time gives you the opportunity to provide me with lots of information about your child, their likes and dislikes, routines, favourite activities, how to comfort them if they become upset and how they have reacted when left in the care of others before.
It gives me the opportunity to build a picture of both your child’s and your family’s needs.
I would encourage you to stay until you feel that your child is settled; however, some children will not settle when they're parents are around because it is their way of showing their love and their emotions/feelings to their parents on separation. What they are actually saying is, "I love you very much and I don't want you to leave." In that case they usually settle in within a few minutes after the parents' leaving because there is no point in them continuing to cry when their parents are gone.
Some children do take longer than others to settle, and others settle quickly but can become distressed a few weeks into the placement for various reasons.
I will work with you to support your child through this transition period.
It is important that you and your child are relaxed and happy in my home and that you are satisfied with the care I provide.