- Enable children to explore by being a secure base for them; sitting close by and at their level to show that you are physically and emotionally available.
- Support a child’s explorations by drawing their attention to interesting things and smiling and nodding as they explore.
- Support children who are new to a group by working closely with parents/carers to gradually settle them in over time, and allowing the child to stay close to you as much as they need.
- Give your full attention when young children look to you for a response.
- Be on hand to support social interactions between children.
- Model gentleness and kindness in your interactions with children and each other.
- Help toddlers to understand each other’s thoughts and needs by suggesting useful phrases, commenting on what might be going on in their minds and modelling respectful and considerate responses during play.
- Cultivate a sense of belonging by involving all children in welcoming and caring for one another and in the shared organisational tasks of the group.
- Use mealtimes as ideal occasions for children to practice social skills by sitting together in small groups with their key person.
- Play name games to welcome children to the setting and help them get to know each other and the staff
- Get to know each of your key children’s likes and dislikes and ways of eating.
- Soothe each of your key children to sleep in the way agreed with their parent and respect their individual “coming to” time.
- Allow enough time in the bathroom, at lunch and when getting ready to sleep, to support toddlers to be as autonomous as they can.
- Do not let your own attitudes to food, bodily waste or dirt make a caring time negative for a child.
