I’ve been working at Rebecca Cheetham for the past 14 years and have settled many children. It is a stressful time for the parents and the children alike, as they are both putting their trust into people you haven’t yet got to know. People who will care for your child whilst you are not there and the children who will have to trust a someone unfamiliar to look after them and understand their needs and requirements, whilst not having their parent with them whom they have been with from the beginning and spent most of their time.

I have helped and reassured parents that all will be well and that the procedures we have in place are in the best interests for them and they help us work with the child to build that trust and respect for one another, but I never really understood the anxiety, worry and stress a parent actually goes through when they have had to settle their child and eventually leave them in our care.

That is until I became a mother and brought my child to Rebecca Cheetham to be part of this amazing setting and family of professionals. When settling my child I became the parent that was in tears and stressed because I saw my child stressed and upset. Even though I knew the whole routine, it was still very difficult for me but the team demonstrated amazing care, compassion and patience towards me and my child.

That’s when I really understood the real value of our settling in routine and the amazing support we offer as a team and why the children in our care settle in quickly and confidently.

We do have ups and downs and coming to nursery may seem like a very daunting thing to begin with but rest assured our children are our number one priority and we work with the children to provide the best care and education and opportunities to extend their learning and experience in life.

And that is for ALL children, no matter who you are.

Raj Bhaker

Nurture Group Key Worker