- Display photographs of educators, so that when children arrive, their parents can show them who will be there to take care of them.
- Support children who are new to a group by gradually settling them in over time so they can get to know the people, the environment and the routines.
- Plan times for children to be with their key person, individually and in their key group.
- Plan routine care events to support the development of close relationships between the key person and child and to support children’s friendships.
- Ensure that group times for toddlers are small, short and active and are in a familiar space with a familiar adult.
- Provide opportunities to collaborate, with the physical space, open-ended resources and activities planned carefully for children to interact, talk and work together.
- Cultivate a sense of belonging, where children contribute, take responsibility and watch others giving and receiving help.
- Provide duplicates of favourite items to reduce competition and conflict.
- Provide matching items for children and adults to mirror each other in play, eg two identical musical instruments.
- Provide resources that promote cooperative play between two children such as a double-sided easel or a truck two children can ride.
- Ensure outdoor provision provides opportunities for children to play and explore together; to ask questions, solve problems and engage in collaborative play.
