Settling Your Child into Nursery
Starting Nursery is a big step for most children, and we understand how important it is to make this transition as smooth and positive as possible. Our goal is to ensure that your child’s first experience of school is a happy one.
To help with this, we offer settling-in sessions where children can come into the classroom, start to get familiar with their new environment, and meet their teachers and new friends. During these sessions, we encourage parents to stay with their child for at least part of the time, providing reassurance and helping them feel comfortable.
In addition, we offer home visits for all new families. These visits are an important part of building a strong partnership between home and school. They allow us to get to know your child better, understand their individual needs, and support their smooth transition into Nursery.
Each child in Nursery is assigned a key person. The role of the key person is to establish a consistent, supportive, and nurturing relationship with the child. They play a vital role in helping your child settle and thrive at Nursery. Here are some of the ways your child’s key person will support them:
- They will greet your child warmly, making them feel special and safe as their primary point of contact.
- The key person will offer emotional support, particularly during moments of transition, such as starting Nursery or dealing with challenges.
- They will be familiar with your child’s likes, dislikes, and emotional needs, ensuring they respond appropriately and make your child feel understood.
- The key person tracks your child’s progress and milestones, sharing this information with the class teacher and with you.
- They will support your child’s development through purposeful play and hands-on activities, helping to build independence and confidence.
Your child’s key person will be there every step of the way, offering the care and support needed to help your child settle into Nursery with confidence.
It’s completely normal for children to feel upset or sad when you leave them at Nursery for the first time. Rest assured, your child will be comforted and well cared for by their key person, ensuring they feel safe and supported.