Connecting and Communicating with Nursey Practitioners
Meet Laura, mother to a 2-year-old and newborn, and member of our fantastic Parent Panel; a diverse community of Bright Horizons parents sharing their experiences of raising happy, thriving and confident children.
Effective communication with nursery practitioners is essential to creating a positive and supportive environment for children’s early development. And as a first-time parent, communication was such a high priority for me when my son started nursery. Was he happy? Was he eating? Did the nursery staff manage to get him off to sleep? Did they know what song to play if he got upset? Was he kind to his peers? Was he developing his skills at a ‘normal’ rate?
At Bright Horizons, establishing strong connections with practitioners can significantly enhance your and your child’s experience and well-being. As with any relationship, ensuring a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and open dialogue will set you up for success.
Communication at Bright Horizons
The Bright Horizons Family App is a key tool that allows parents to receive real-time updates on their child’s daily activities, send and receive messages with nursery staff, and access their child’s nursery profile. This app is designed to bridge the communication gap between busy parents and practitioners, ensuring that important information is always at your fingertips.
I spent my son’s first week practically glued to the Bright Horizons app, scouring it for any updates and log entries. It made me feel more connected to the day he was having and reassured me that he was being well looked after. Once the observation posts started appearing, and I could start to see his learning journey take shape, as well as enjoying the adorable photos of him playing and having fun, I really started to feel like I had a window into his nursery life.
Additionally, traditional methods such as face-to-face conversations during drop-off and pick-up times, phone calls, and scheduled meetings are also available.
On a day-to-day basis I find the moments during drop-off and pick-up to be invaluable. Whether it’s explaining that he might be a bit grumpy due to a poor night’s sleep, asking that they take extra care with addressing behaviour we are working on at home, or requesting an adjustment to his schedule, it’s reassuring to have that ‘handover’ moment. Likewise, I always appreciate the feedback I’m given at the end of each day; a brief ‘hand-back-over’ from the staff, giving me highlights from the day as well as anything I should be aware of.
Each of these channels serves a unique purpose, and understanding how to use them effectively will help you stay connected with your child’s nursery experience.
Tips for Effective Communication
- Be Proactive
Don’t wait for formal meetings to discuss your child’s progress or any concerns you might have. Regularly check in with your child’s key person or nursery manager. The app is a great way to send quick updates or queries, but for more detailed conversations, a phone call or face-to-face meeting might be more appropriate.
- Ask Questions
Practitioners are there to support your child’s development, and they welcome your questions. Whether it’s about your child’s learning activities, behaviour, or dietary needs, don’t hesitate to ask. Asking questions not only shows your interest in your child’s day but also helps practitioners tailor their approach to better meet your child’s needs.
- Share Relevant Information
If there are any changes at home that might affect your child’s behaviour or mood - such as a new sibling, changes in routine, or even a new favourite toy - inform the nursery staff. Sharing this information helps practitioners provide consistent care and support for your child, making their time at the nursery more enjoyable and less stressful.
- Address Concerns Early
If something is bothering you, whether it’s related to your child’s care or something else within the nursery environment, bring it up as soon as possible. Early communication prevents small issues from escalating into larger problems. Practitioners are there to work with you and will appreciate your openness in discussing concerns.
- Attend Nursery Events
Participating in nursery events such as family days, workshops, or scheduled meetings provides an opportunity to engage more deeply with the nursery community. These events are also a chance to observe your child’s interactions within the nursery setting and to build stronger relationships with practitioners.
- Show Appreciation
A simple thank you can go a long way. Acknowledging the efforts of nursery staff helps to build a positive and collaborative relationship. Whether it’s a note of thanks via the app or a verbal appreciation during pick-up, recognizing the hard work of practitioners reinforces the trust and partnership between you and the nursery.
Communication is a two-way street, and at Bright Horizons, parents and practitioners are encouraged to engage in open and honest dialogue. By being proactive, asking questions, sharing information, and addressing concerns promptly, you can help create a nurturing environment that supports your child’s growth and development. Remember, the key to a successful parent-practitioner relationship lies in trust, collaboration, and mutual respect - values that are at the heart of the Bright Horizons experience.
To find out more about our wonderful Parent Panel, including Laura, visit our Parent Panel page. You can also find more blogs, activities, booklists and activities in our Family Resource Zone!
