Positive relationships: All in a day's work - a parents' day

After sending out questionnaires in January, we have been looking at ways to improve our communications and relationships with parents. One parent commented on the questionnaire that although they thought our three-monthly parents evenings were a great idea, as shift workers they could never make these evenings. In response to this, we discussed it with some other parents who cited similar problems.

We decided that we would hold an open day on a Saturday in order to support these families who couldn't access the evening events. The first event took place last month - and what a success it was! In addition to having staff on hand to talk to the parents about their child's progress, we also had representation from the early years and childcare department at the council, the local Children's Information Service, the Pre-School Learning Alliance, a baby massage expert and a first-aider giving demonstrations.

We encouraged the children to show their own parents around the nursery and point out their masterpieces in the wall displays. You could see the great sense of pride in the children as they spent time with their parents in their nursery. Some children seemed particularly interested in showing their fathers around, delighted in having their dad's attention in nursery - so often it's mum who does the drop-off and collection.

We also invited local schools to provide their prospectuses and gave pre-school parents advice on the schools admissions procedures, which helped us forge good relationships with the local schools as well.

The day was really successful. It offered a relaxed and informal approach to getting information across to parents.

The parents valued the chance to relax in the nursery with their child, a far cry from the usual whirlwind of drop-off and collection times when parents are generally in a rush and don't spend time in their child's room. They enjoyed the chance to have a good look around the nursery. Similarly, the nursery staff relished the opportunity to show off their hard work! The displays, the development books, the outdoor area - all those things that parents don't usually get the chance to really appreciate.

Holding the open day on a Saturday was a positive step towards boosting relationships with parents and carers. It is definitely something that we will repeat.