5 Tips for helping your child settle into nursery

When your first child starts at nursery, whether they are 6 months or 3 years old, it is an important milestone for your family. With over fifteen years’ experience working in nurseries, as well as sending my own daughter to nursery, I’ve gathered tips to support you and your child to have a positive start. 

1. Be prepared yourself – Know what’s required of you, both in terms of drop-off/pick-up procedures and equipment required. Your child will adjust more easily if they have the right things, whether this is bedding for naps or waterproofs for outdoor play. You should also know what’s not permitted, such as toys with small parts or their own snacks. 

   
   

2. Show confidence in the setting – Even if you are anxious or sad, present a positive attitude to your child. Children easily pick up on your emotions. Your child needs to feel that you trust the people you are leaving them with, although building relationships does take time. If possible, arrange a visit to the setting, prior to them starting, so both you and your child can meet some of the staff and see the environment. 

   
   

3. Keep drop-off quick – Be clear and honest with your child, telling them you’ll pick them up at an agreed time. Don’t tell your child you’ll pick them up if they are upset (a good nursery will contact you if your child is truly inconsolable). Don’t spend too much time chatting and asking questions at the door (this is why it helps to be well prepared) – your child needs to get used to you saying goodbye quickly, and other parents might be waiting. 

   
   

4. Know what to expect from your child’s day – This allows you to ask relevant questions (of slightly older children) and to talk about what they did and who they did it with (staff and children) for all ages of children. However, try to avoid talking over your child’s head at pick-up time, particularly asking questions about any problematic behaviour. Most settings will give you feedback in some form, whether via an app or face-to-face. Remember that settings are looking after a large number of children so may have limited time for conversations at busy times of day. 

   
   

5. Have a flexible schedule, where possible, for the first weeks. Most settings have a gradual settling-in policy, and will move at the child’s pace. Expect to have shorter days initially, whether planned or not. Children are also being exposed to a range of new germs, so your child is likely to get ill more often when they first start! Keeping your child home when they are unwell not only supports their rights and recovery, but also means they have more positive associations with nursery. 

I hope these tips are useful – and that The Nursery and School Guide helps you find a nursery that’s right for your child from the first day. 

Author:

Dr. Irene Pollock,

Casa Montessori Nursery and University of Glasgow