When a child, young person or adult joins a new school, service or setting, the first few days can shape everything that follows. Early experiences can influence how safe someone feels, whether they trust the people around them and how confident they are to participate.
We often talk about the importance of a successful ‘day one’, yet the reality is that a positive start rarely happens by chance. Instead, it is usually the result of thoughtful preparation, intentional planning and careful listening, long before the first day arrives.
“A successful day one is really about all the work you do before day one.”
Justine Baker, Director of Operations / Disability and Aged Care Leader
One of the most powerful ways to build safety, trust and predictability is to begin by ‘gathering voice’; in other words, collating different perspectives from everyone involved. Listening to families and to individuals themselves helps us understand who they are, what matters to them and what kinds of support strategies might help them to thrive.
Support plans, behaviour strategies and risk assessments all have their place when supporting individuals who may be new to a setting or service. However, these tools are only as effective as the understanding that sits behind them.
When information gathering is treated as a quick, administrative task, important insights can be missed. And one-size-fits-all forms that focus solely on diagnoses, challenges or support needs may leave little room for an individual’s background story.
Taking time to listen to the individual and to those who know them best shifts the focus. Instead of asking only what difficulties or needs exist, we can begin to explore the whole picture of a person’s life.
Families often hold valuable knowledge about what helps someone feel calm, what situations may cause anxiety and which interests or relationships bring them joy.
“Time is an investment, and the returns are long-term success.”
Michael Burke, Founder, Lavender Co
When we take the time to invite this information early on, it allows us to shape the environment and expectations before the person arrives. This preparation can prevent misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of distress in the first place.
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