In order to make things as easy as possible for you and your child when you arrive, it would be helpful if you would bear the following points in mind.

Before arrival

Please label garments clearly to avoid missing items, especially if your child is too young to recognise their own property. Many children end up providing the same/similar items so to avoid these going into Lost Property please clearly label them.

Each child in the Pre-School section should have a bag clearly named and containing the following:

• Soft indoor shoes (with non-slip soles)
• At least two changes of clothes are required, along with soft shoes or slippers. Remember to label all items clearly. It is not advisable to bring toys, sweets or other treasures as children usually leave these around and of course they are never seen again! Many children, in their early days at nursery, feel the urge to bring a comforter to which they are particularly attached too, and this is always allowed.

On arrival

When you arrive at The Bridges Nursery there will be a member of staff ready to greet you and your child. This can be a daunting experience for you and we want to be able to reassure and support as much as possible. On the first day of nursery it is important to show your baby how excited you are about this experience. They will be aware that there is a change occurring and will sense from your body language and emotions how you are feeling. A member of staff will greet you at the door and take you to the room your child will be settling into. You will then be introduced to the staff who will be caring for your child. This will be an opportunity for you to have a quick handover before leaving your child to enjoy their first nursery experience. If your child has a comforter or special toy, please bring this along so they have comfort if required along with a familiar connection to home life. If your child does become distressed tell them clearly that you will be back soon before saying see you soon and leaving them with their new friends and practitioners. We welcome parents to phone the nursery to find out how their day is going. We fully understand a little bit of reassurance will go a long way for parents. You will be given the nursery contact number to use at any time. Please don’t be afraid to keep close contact, we aim to make the transitional process as smooth as possible.

Illness

If your child is feeling unwell, it is not advisable to bring them into nursery amongst other children. We would appreciate it if you would keep them off when there is a risk of infection. Please also inform the Nursery before 10.00am if your child will not be attending, or the day before, if you are aware, they will be absent. On the other hand, if your child is a little unwell, please tell us when you bring them, so that we are aware. If they become unwell during the day you will, of course, be informed by a member of the team. Please explain clearly, in a written and signed medicine form, if medicines are to be administered and be sure to collect them at the end of each day. If your child shows symptoms of an upset stomach such as vomiting and/or diarrhoea, it is essential that they remain home for 48 hours from the last episode.

Fees and Holidays

Fees are payable monthly in advance. Fees include snacks where appropriate. All equipment, stationery, etc. will be provided [with the exception of nappies]. We work in Partnership with Aberdeenshire Councils and as such children who are in their ante pre-school and pre-school years may be eligible for assisted funded places. Staff in the 3-5 Unit will provide more details and an application form