General points to consider:
- As with all children, parents/carers will have different views on ways in which they prefer to receive and share information with settings. For some, that may be regular face-to-face contact with a key person in the setting, whilst for others this may feel overwhelming. Parents/carers tell us that it is important to ask what feels best for them and what support would be helpful.
- Early Years practitioners forge close relationships with parents through the settling in process; building relationships and making links between home and settings as early as possible is helpful. This means that any concerns can be addressed early, and transitions to new settings are supported in a timely way.
- Having regular, scheduled meetings with parents/carers, as well as informal opportunities to check in (e.g. phone calls or a quick chat at drop off/pick up time), works well. Emails, messages and positive phone calls home are well received and can make a real difference to children and families.
- Being mindful of the language used to explain children's needs is important. It is also important that parents/carers and children are supported to understand terms and phrases that are commonly used within Early Years settings.