ABSTRACT
For children – and their parents – starting in the first setting, or in a new setting, is an event of major significance in their lives. The value of careful planning and preparation cannot be underestimated. Some children will remember their first days into adulthood, so it makes sense to make these memories as positive as possible. A negative start to childcare or early education can impact upon a child’s development and success throughout their future education. Young children can be labelled as ‘naughty’ in their first few days in a setting, and this label is easily passed from practitioner to practitioner, so that expectations can be established even before a particular adult has met the child in question.
