Skip to content 
At Scallywags we know that the earliest years of a childโs life are some of the most important. From the very first days in our care, babies are learning, feeling, bonding, and growing in ways that will shape who they become. Thatโs why this month, weโre highlighting our Working with Under 2s Policy โ and how it aligns with the brand-new national guidance, โGetting it right from the start,โ published in April 2025.
๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
Caring for babies and toddlers isnโt just about nappies, bottles, and naps (though weโre great at those too!). Itโs about creating deep emotional security, warm relationships, and experiences that help young children feel safe, confident, and loved.
Our policy is built on:
- Attachment theory by experts like John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth
- National frameworks like the EYFS and the new 2025 guidance
- Respectful, responsive care that sees each baby as an individual
This policy shapes everything we do โ from how we hold space for a babyโs first tearful drop-off to the way we prepare for safe sleep, bottle feeds, and those magical sensory play moments.
๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ: ๐ฉ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐๐๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด-๐๐ป
We begin every relationship with a home visit. Itโs a simple but powerful way to learn about your child in their own environment. What soothes them? What makes them laugh? Whatโs their routine like?
Then comes our gentle settling-in period, where we work together with parents to ensure your little one feels calm, connected, and ready to explore. Youโre never just handing your baby over โ youโre building a partnership with us.
๐ฆ๐น๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ, ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐
We know that sleep can be one of the biggest concerns for parents. Rest assured, we follow strict Safe Sleep guidelines (see our Safe Sleep Policy), and:
- Place babies in cots, sleep pob beds, or sleep mats depending on age
- Never use loose bedding, bumpers, or toys in sleep spaces
- Monitor children closely during naps
- And for safety reasons, we donโt rock or cradle children to sleep, but instead provide calm reassurance and consistency to help them feel secure
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐น๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ
Our staff are not just qualified โ theyโre specially trained in:
- Infant brain development and attachment
- Safe feeding, sleeping, and hygiene practices
- Emotional regulation and sensory play
- Building strong bonds with both children and families
Every member of us under 2s team completes dedicated โNurturing Babiesโ training, because we believe that babies deserve educators who understand their unique world.
๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐โ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐
The new national document โGetting it right from the startโ celebrates the role of early years practitioners as a babyโs first educators outside the home. We couldnโt agree more. Whether itโs supporting weaning, comforting through separation anxiety, or helping babies explore the feel of grass under their feet โ we are here, every day, offering connection, care, and calm.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐
We understand the trust it takes to leave your baby in someone elseโs care. Please know:
- We follow robust policies designed with safety, wellbeing, and love in mind
- Weโll communicate openly and regularly about your childโs routines, needs, and milestones
- Weโre always available for a chat, question, or concern โ big or small
Our Working with Under 2s Policy is more than words on paper. Itโs the heart of what we do. Itโs how we make sure your child feels held, valued, and ready to thrive โ from the very start.
Nurturing babies blog written by Demi Eastment
