When a child starts at Laxfield Pre-school they are welcome to attend a session to get used to the surroundings. It is optional whether a child is left at this point. When the child starts pre-school properly, it is recommended that parents explain to their child that they will be left at pre-school.

At the beginning of the session parents are encouraged to settle their child briefly and then leave. However if the child is still unsettled, parents may wait in the cloakroom area where a member of staff will liaise with them. Staff will also telephone parents at home if they are in any way worried about leaving their child.

It is felt that children settle better if this procedure is followed. It is less disruptive for the other children and the new ones learn to relate better to the excellent team of staff at pre-school.

Parents are more than welcome to attend any of their child’s sessions to see how they are getting on, but we do ask that this is not during their first half term, because this will confuse the child while they are learning to settle on their own. It is also important that the staff are notified should parents wish to attend to ensure no other visitors or assessors will be at pre-school that day.

The staff and committee of Laxfield Pre-school group understands that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances which in some cases makes separation difficult for children of this age. If parents feel this applies to their child, please discuss this with the chairman who will work in partnership with you and the staff to resolve any problems.