Windsor Montessori Policies

Settling In Policy

References:

Early Childhood Regulations 2008, 43; Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education.

 

 

Te Whāriki:

Mana Whenua/Belonging - Goal 2: Tamariki/children and their whānau experience an environment where they know that they have a place.

Mana Whanaungatanga/Connection: The Montessori community nurtures kotahitanga (collective, togetherness), supports the ethos of aroha (compassion, empathy), and role models whakamana (respect) all in the context of bi-cultural (and indeed, multicultural) understandings.

 

Statement of Intent:

Every tamaiti/child is different and will have their own way in which they will feel comfortable in helping themselves settle into a new environment. At Windsor Montessori, we aim to be flexible and mindful of each tamaiti individual needs.

We work in partnership with whānau to establish trusting and respectful relationships by developing good communication to meet every tamaiti needs and achieve the best possible outcome for all.

Windsor Montessori will be a welcoming place where tamariki will be supported to settle quickly and easily. Every interaction is based on caring, professional relationships and respectful acknowledgement of the feelings of tamariki and their whānau. We are aware that many factors will influence tamariki and whānau sociability. This may be as a result of tiredness, stress or needing to communicate in more than one language.

We want all tamariki/children in our care to feel safe and happy in the absence of their whānau.

 

Te Tiriti Commitment:

Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti aroha o tātou mahi / Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work

The child is at the centre of all that we do. Their strengths and interests drive our curriculum.

 

Procedures:

• We will arrange for whānau to visit the preschool before they are due to start via an arrangement that is suitable to both parties. They will be encouraged to visit four times over two weeks before they begin. We suggest these visits are booked for two weeks prior to the official start date.

• We will explain the process of “settling in” and jointly decide the best way to settle each tamaiti. Prior to these visits, whānau are encouraged to share any special information about their tamaiti with kaiako.

• Whānau will be encouraged to allow time for their tamaiti to settle into their new learning environment. We recognise that all tamariki settle at their own pace. Sometimes more visits are needed. Whānau will be encouraged to remember that there will be good days and bad days, just like they have at home.

• On the first day we will phone within the first hour to provide feedback on how their tamaiti is doing. If a tamaiti is unduly distressed and cannot be comforted, whānau will be encouraged to come back early and new strategies will be employed to help their tamaiti settle.

• Kaiako will be empathetic and understand that this initial separation can be very challenging. They will work hard to build a rapport with whānau so they feel at ease and welcomed into the preschool.

• Kaiako will suggest that new Tamariki come for half days on their first day and/or subsequent days to support them to become familiar with routines and support the overall setting in process.

• Each tamariki picture will be displayed in the preschool and a welcome learning story will be shared with whānau within the first few weeks of their enrolment.

• Kaiako will be there to reassure and support any tamaiti who is upset while also supporting the respective whānau. Kaiako will be aware of supporting other tamariki who may become unsettled or anxious at this time.

• When a tamaiti is upset, kaiako will acknowledge their feelings with respect, warmth, care and reassurance. Kaiako will spend time with new tamariki supporting them to engage with some of the practical life Montessori materials. They will continue to support new tamariki throughout the day and during their first weeks at Montessori.

• Kaiako will support new tamariki to develop relationships with all kaiako and tamariki which will help develop a stronger sense of belonging and wellbeing.

• Kaiako understand that it is difficult for whānau to leave their tamariki in an unfamiliar environment. They will be supported by discussing different strategies that will help with successful drop off and pick up routines for tamariki.

 

Date:

Review Date:

Signed:

Consultation: