Working with our families
Ways to Support Your Child
Communication
The best thing you can do to help your child at this early stage of their education is talk, talk and then talk some more! Talking is the key to learning, it helps our children not only communicate with others but develops so many key skills needed for life long learning. In the documents section at the bottom of this page, you will find some guidance from the 'I Can' charity as to what typical speech and language milestones are and how you can support your child.
The Communication Trust http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk have developed some resources for families at home to support speech and language development using the CBeebies TV programme, Raa Raa the noisy lion. Click the image below to be taken to the web page. PDF guidance can also be found at the bottom of this page.
Working in Partnership with Parents to Support Toilet Training
We work in close partnership with parents and carers to support children’s toilet training in a way that promotes independence, dignity, and emotional well-being. We recognise that children develop at different rates and ensure our approach is inclusive and responsive to individual needs.
Prior to entry to Nursery, we gather information from parents about their child’s stage of toilet training, routines, and any strategies currently in place. This enables us to provide a consistent approach between home and the setting, supporting continuity of care and learning.
Staff offer regular opportunities for children to use the toilet and provide calm, sensitive support, using positive reinforcement to encourage progress. Accidents are managed discreetly and respectfully, ensuring children feel safe, supported, and confident.
We maintain ongoing communication with parents and carers, sharing progress and working collaboratively to address any concerns. Through effective partnership working, we support children in developing self-care skills, confidence, and readiness for the next stage of their learning.
At the bottom of this page you will find a copy of our toilet training policy and some recommended resources for families to use at home.
Supporting Children’s Sleep and Well-being
We recognise that good-quality sleep plays a vital role in children’s health, well-being, and ability to learn. We work in partnership with parents and carers to support healthy sleep routines that promote children’s emotional regulation, concentration, and development.
We gather information from families about children’s sleep patterns and routines to ensure we respond sensitively to individual needs. Where appropriate, we offer guidance and reassurance to parents, signposting to trusted advice and working together to support consistency between home and school.
Within the setting, we provide a calm and nurturing environment that supports children’s well-being. Staff are attentive to signs of tiredness and respond appropriately, helping children to feel safe, settled, and ready to engage in learning.
Through effective communication and partnership working, we aim to support families in promoting positive sleep habits that contribute to children’s overall development and readiness to learn.
Further support can be accessed through the St Helens Family Hubs and the Sleep Charity.