Pen
The importance of supporting a child’s transition: a Pen Green observation
Millie, once it was decided that you were going to transition from Kerry’s group in the Nest to my group here in the Snug, both Kerry and I discussed some days where you could visit your new space. We thought it would be best for you to visit alongside Kerry in order to get to know the different adults in the space, including myself as your family worker. This would also provide chances for you to get to know other children and to begin to develop friendships with peers. Kerry had let me know that friendships were very important to you.
When visiting the Snug initially with Kerry you spent some time in the wet area, predominantly exploring the sandpit. You acknowledged Kerry as a secure base to venture from, I could see that Kerry was indeed an important person for you. By observing Kerry and I together I hoped it would support you to begin a trusting relationship with me also and sure enough that is what started to happen! You slowly started to chat comfortably with both Kerry and I. Your visits to the Snug were regular and consistent, the more time you spent here in the Snug the more familiar the environment was becoming for you. Almost 2 months after numerous settling in sessions with Kerry I felt that you started to feel more comfortable in saying goodbye to Kerry, trusting I would be there for you. I stayed with you at the stream in the garden as you eagerly explored the running water, pouring and filling a variety of containers. I also observed you shooting boats down the stream.
During these weeks that you were settling in to nursery, I visited you at home with Kerry. We chatted with Mummy about the regular visits you had been having to the Snug. Mummy told Kerry and I about the things you like to play, your key interests and all the wonderful things that make you, you! You performed for us using your microphone..I must say Millie, your singing skills are just fabulous!
As you started in nursery full time the following weeks after the visits, I noticed how you would arrive at nursery and head straight to the home corner to find the dolls. As you left to go home you would then store a doll safe in our area to ensure it was there for you the following day. I chatted with Mummy about how I thought you found this familiarity and regularity comforting. You knew that the doll would be waiting for you in the very place you had left it. I ensured that your play was protected and as your family worker I supported this creating a special place for the doll to stay overnight. I feel you were using the doll as a form of transitional object. As the weeks passed you carried the doll when moving from activity to activity, and from space to space, supporting further internal transitions. You eventually felt comfortable pushing your doll around in a pram to make it easier for you.
There are many changes we wanted to hold in mind to support your wellbeing throughout this transition Millie. Moving from one nursery space to another is a big change and both Kerry and I wanted to ensure you felt contained by the adults working and learning closely alongside you. We were listening to you Millie and we wanted to hold your wellbeing and sense of belonging at the heart of this transition.
For more information on transitions, you can download material from our 2018 Transitions conference here.