Starting nursery is a big milestone for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, socialising, fun and independence. However, the transition can sometimes feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you and your little one adjust and thrive in their new environment.
1. A Bespoke Care Plan
Prior to your child’s first day at Sandytots, we’ll work with you to complete a personalised Care Plan for your child; giving us valuable insight into their unique personality, preferences, interests, daily routines, and developmental stages. We encourage you to share any additional details that will help us make their experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible!
2. Adapting their Routine
During your care plan session, we’ll discuss your child’s normal routine and make any necessary adjustments based on their medical, nutritional, or educational needs. We’ll also share our typical nursery routine with you. To help ease the transition, we recommend gradually incorporating similar elements into your child’s daily schedule in the weeks leading up to their first day.
3. Settling In Sessions
Alongside your child’s Care Plan, we also offer a 1 hour settling-in session—fun taster experiences designed to help your little one explore, play, and get comfortable in their new environment. It’s important for both of you to embrace these sessions and create joy and excitement around them. Please let our Nursery Manager know If you feel your child would benefit from an additional settling-in session, we’d be delighted to arrange one for you.
4. Building Comfort with New Caregivers
If your child is accustomed to a small, familiar group of caregivers, it may be helpful to gradually introduce them to others before they start nursery. In the months leading up to their first day, ask trusted friends and family members to assist with nap times and feeds. This will help your child become more comfortable with new people.
5. Crying is normal (for you and them!)
We understand that leaving your child somewhere new can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially when they’re upset or tearful. It’s important to remember that separation anxiety is a normal stage of development, especially between the ages of 6-18 months. While it can be difficult to see your little one upset, rest assured that our team is experienced in handling these situations. We have plenty of tools and techniques to comfort, distract, and help them settle in.
6. Practice Skills
At Sandytots, children love playtime! We have plenty of space to explore—and even rabbits and ducks to visit! But when it’s time to head outside, children can sometimes get frustrated whilst waiting for help with their coats and wellies. Practicing these skills at home can help your little one become more independent and, more importantly, get outside to the fun even faster!
7. Getting used to meal-times
Many preschool children find it challenging to sit at the table for meals or use cutlery independently. If this isn’t already part of your child’s routine, we recommend gradually introducing it at home. By encouraging them to sit at the table and practice using cutlery at home, you can help to make their first day feel a little less overwhelming.
8. Read nursery-themed books
There are so many wonderful books about starting nursery, check out BookTrust’s recommendations here.
This is a great way to start positive, happy conversations around this next phase, and it really helps to give them an idea of what to expect.
9. Label Everything: Avoid Lost Items!
One of the best ways to keep track of your child’s belongings is to label everything they bring to the nursery. From coats, to socks and shoes, adding their name helps prevent mix-ups and ensures nothing ends up in the lost property box! A little label makes a big difference in keeping their items safe and easily identifiable.
If you’re finding the transition challenging, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s room leader or our nursery manager—they’re always happy to support you. Our team is committed to making this next chapter as fun, exciting, and seamless as possible for both you and your child.
