Multiple Birth Families Policy

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we ensure that all families are included and supported fully, no matter how big or small. There are more and more multiple births occurring in the UK, with twins, triplets and more. As a nursery we accommodate all families and work together with parents to ensure all children are treated as individuals and supported to make the best progress they can. This policy reflects the EYFS principle that every child is a unique individual and supports equality, inclusion and partnership with parents.

This policy should be read in conjunction with our Settling in policy and Parents as partners policy. In addition to these to support the needs of multiple birth families, we will:
• Acknowledge multiple birth relationships as special and to be celebrated as well as encouraging children to develop as individuals
• Ensure children are not labelled or referred to collectively (e.g. the twins) and are addressed by their individual names
• Work with parents to explore each child’s individual preferences, interests, needs and starting points including, where applicable, ways for staff to identify them
• Complete individual forms for each child to discover their individual routines, specific requirements, dietary needs etc.
• Allocate a key person for each child, in line with the EYFS key person approach, who will take responsibility for that child’s care, learning and development
• Recognise and celebrate all individual achievements
• Report back on each child separately at the end of the day to the parents
• Ensure observations, assessments and learning journeys are completed separately for each child
• Consider separation if this is beneficial for their development. Parents, and where appropriate the children, will be involved in the decision for when, where and how this may occur (e.g. focused activities, outdoor play)
• Any decisions regarding separation or time apart will be reviewed regularly and based on each child’s emotional wellbeing, development and confidence
• Arrange parental consultations for each child. Each child will receive the same time during the consultation as any other child in the setting. Assessments will be shared based on their individual progress and comparisons between the children will not be made, any concerns will be discussed as per SEND policy
• Where one or more children require additional support, this will be addressed through the nursery’s graduated approach, without comparison or assumption
• Understand that each child is unique and not expect them to behave in the same manner, excel in the same areas or enjoy the same activities.
• Support positive peer relationships while also encouraging independence and self-confidence

Partnership with Parents

We recognise that parents of multiple birth children are experts in their children’s needs and experiences. We will work closely with families to ensure consistent approaches between home and nursery, particularly around routines, transitions and emotional support. Parents’ views will be respected and revisited as children grow and develop.

Monitoring and review

The progress and wellbeing of children from multiple birth families will be monitored individually to ensure they are thriving within the nursery environment. This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to reflect best practice and the needs of families attending the nursery.