Settling in with your child

When your child starts nursery, we ask that you set aside time to stay with him/her in the classroom. 
For all children this means at least the first day, but for many children it will take a week or two or sometimes more, before they feel completely comfortable in staying in nursery without you.  Your child’s key worker will talk to you about the length of time your child will stay each day.  Our aim is to increase the time gradually, in consultation with you, until your child is able to stay happily for the whole session.
You can also support your child’s transition into nursery by attending our children's centre sessions. 
This can help your child to mix with children their own age as well become familiar with routine. 
​5 top tips

• Give your child plenty of time to get used to nursery – don’t rush things.
• Be available for your child whenever she or he wants you during the settling in period.
• Talk to your key person and share your ideas about how you think it is going – remember that you know your child better than anyone else.
• Try to be as confident as possible in front of your child.
• Don’t worry if your child gets upset or angry – it’s a big step to move from home to nursery.

At Old Church we put a very strong emphasis on settling-in and ask all parents and carers to allow two weeks for their children to settle in.  We want to be sure that each child feels confident about being in nursery and being looked after by his or her key person.  We also want parents and carers to be confident about what we offer in nursery.
If you are finding it difficult to settle your child, then please talk to your key person or to the Head Teacher.

Starting Nursery is an exciting step, but can also be difficult: We hope to make this work for you and your child.