Parents as Partners

Dolphin Day Nursery and Preschool aims to develop effective partnerships with parents in order to enhance the learning and development of the children for whom we care. We respect, value and understand the contribution of the parent to the child’s learning and believe we share with parents a joint interest in, and responsibility for, children’s development and learning. We believe that parents, the nursery team, and other carers such as nannies, babysitters, childminders and the extended family, contribute to building children’s self-esteem and dispositions to learn, although they bring different perspectives and expertise. Children usually feel more confident and positive about themselves and their learning when nursery staff, parents and other carers work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

To help to build these partnerships we communicate extensively with our parents including children’s feedback sheets, questionnaires, newsletters, parent evenings and educational events. Most importantly however the nursery management team and your child’s key worker are available at any time for discussions with parents or other carers.

Our Ofsted report said 'Staff gain information about children’s routines and interests from parents when they first start at the nursery and use this information to help them settle and achieve as much as they can. Staff provide parents with information about their child’s day, which includes the activities that took place, food intake and sleep. This ensures continuity of care. Parents are invited twice a year to meet with their child’s key person to discuss their child’s progress report which summarises their achievements. Parents' views are valued through the use of questionnaires and the parent’s nursery association.'

Parent Nursery Association
We pride ourselves on maintaining positive and effective relationships with parents and carers. The nursery holds regular Parent Nursery Association (PNA) meetings with self nominated parent representatives. The purpose of these meetings is to ensure that all parents have a voice, and that parents feel supported and encouraged to contribute their views and ideas.

Details of the PNA representatives together with copies of the PNA meeting minutes are displayed in the nursery.