POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
At Brookside we recognise relationships are central to a child’s development and well-being. We believe If children are to develop a caring attitude towards others, it is essential they first experience caring, respectful relationships with others.
Key person approach
It is widely agreed that children thrive from a base of secure and loving relationships not only with parents but also their key person or caregiver. This is known as Attachment theory which was explored in depth by John Bowlby during the 1940’s.
Our staff team have strong, caring relationships with all children because we all work together as a team to care for the children. However, our key person approach allows a close bond to be established to a particular staff member, the key person acts as a point of contact for parents and daily key group time allows practitioners time to truly get to know the children and their developmental needs. This promotes a strong, secure, and genuine bond that enables a ‘professional love’ to develop between the child and their key person.
Parent partnership
We recognise parents are advocates for their children and encourage families to share their understanding and observations of their children’s learning at home through our online Tapestry learning journey. We use Tapestry to share regular updates on the children’s experiences and achievements at preschool along with suggestions for home learning opportunities and support.
We hold regular stay and play opportunities for parents to play with their child in the pre-school environment and offer a more informal opportunity for parents to get to know the staff and their child’s key person. We hold fundraising events for children and the local community. We have a group of parents who are directly involved in caring for our allotment and a group of parent helpers who help us to prepare for events and celebrations.
We use parents’ and family’s knowledge, talents, job roles, and backgrounds to help build on children’s cultural capital and understanding of the world. For example, we welcome parents to read in different languages and share their religious celebrations with us.
As a parent committee led pre-school, we offer the opportunity for Parents to have their say and influence the running of our provision. We have an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where we share the annual account summaries, achievements & difficulties of the provision and future. During the meeting there are opportunities for parents to give feedback, offer suggestions for improvement and volunteer.
Friendships
Our pre-school golden rules and values include the development of social skills and kindness, children are praised for showing development of a caring and helpful attitude towards others, for sharing resources, showing empathy, kindness, and inclusion. The ability to build friendships is a lifelong skill which will support happiness and well-being throughout life.