Settling In

Starting at nursery can be an exciting time for you and your child. It’s a special place where new friends and childhood memories will be made and the next steps in development taken, but we also know that it can be an emotional journey. That’s why we want to make you and your family feel right at home when you join us. Our Settling in Sessions will provide you with the chance to get to know your nursery – and the wonderful people in it – from day one.

These free sessions begin a week before your child starts, allowing both you and your child time to get comfortable with the new environment. Positive relationships are vital for a child’s wellbeing, safety, resilience, and development; secure attachment to at least one caregiver helps children explore, learn, and thrive.

At Quality Kidz, we value the Key Person role in providing emotional security, so children feel known, safe, and cared for. From the very first ‘settling in’ session, time spent with their Key Person builds trust between the child, parent or carer, and staff.

To get started, you’ll be able to book your session with our nursery manager at a time that suits you. You are encouraged to stay so you can help your child feel comfortable during their transition from home to nursery. Eventually, as the sessions progress, you’ll be supported by your child’s Key Person to leave your child with us. We advise this is for short periods at first, then gradually extending your time away, as this helps your child learn that you will be coming back. We very much work around the individual needs of your child and your family. Every child is unique, so this will be different for everyone. Some children settle quickly, while others may take a bit longer.

These first sessions are about getting to know each other, playing, sharing experiences, and creating strong attachments and bonds. This helps create a smoother transition and provides children with the best start to their nursery experience. As well as playtime for your little one, you can use the time to ask all your questions about nursery life, experience what a day in the life at nursery will look like and start to build your relationship with the team.

When you join us, we’d love to know any routines, likes, and dislikes your child has. From nap times and feeding habits, to languages spoken at home and that all-important cuddly comforter, the more information we know, the better we can get to know your child and make sure they get the best possible start.

Packing their first nursery bag can be an exciting milestone, and if your child is able, why not encourage them to join in? You won’t need much, but a spare set of clothes, nappies and wipes is essential, along with a comforting item from home —whether it’s a favourite blanket, toy, or even an item of clothing that carries the familiar scent of your perfume or aftershave to reassure them that you’ll be back soon.