Starting nursery

From home visits to making the most of settling-in, Marie Skelton (Head of Early Years), looks at how parents can prepare themselves and their child for starting nursery for the first time.

Starting nursery for the first time can be an exciting but anxious time for families. Most parents want their children to have friends, to be happy and to feel safe while they are away from home. As a parent, the thought of your child being unhappy can be quite an overwhelming and sometimes unexpected feeling.

The home visit

Children respond in different ways when they are separated from their mum or dad for the first time, and at 1st Place, the home visit plays a crucial part in ensuring a smooth transition to nursery. The home visit is an opportunity for the child and their family to establish trust with the Key Person and to start building a relationship with them in a familiar environment. Children know that they can trust their parents and that they would never invite a ‘bad’ person into their home. When they see that their parent is comfortable with the Key Person, they start to feel the same.

Thefirst day of nursery

There is no situation more difficult than walking away from your crying child and feeling guilty for leaving them. This is perfectly normal. Rest assured, according to Bowlby’s attachment theory, children who have developed a secure and trusting relationship with a significant adult (such as a parent) will have the capacity to do this over again (i.e with a caregiver). By the time your child is three years old, they are able to develop multiple strong and secure attachments with both adults and other children. It is also worth remembering that children who are able to express their feelings can also be reassured by compassionate, experienced practitioners.

Be prepared

Although it is unlikely that the transition tonursery will ever be entirely stress free, there are ways to help prepareyourself and your child to make it easier:

• Make the most of the settling-in period. This is an opportunity for you and your child to get to know your Key Person, the other staff in your child’s room and their new environment. Don’t be shy to ask questions and use gentle encouragement to help your child explore and make sense of their new surroundings.
• Be open with your child’s Key Person. They are sharing the care of your child and have their interests at heart so let them know key information such as their likes, dislikes and usual routine. At 1st Place, we believe in working in partnership with parents. As caregivers, we know about children but as a parent, you know your child best!
• Don’t allow worries to build up inside. Share any feelings or concerns that you may have with your child’s Key Person or the Nursery Manager. They are here to help.
• Be prepared for your child to be upset, angry or look worried when you leave for the first time. Don’t be surprised if this continues for a few days, some children can take time to settle.
• Feel free to call the nursery during the day to get feedback or reassurance about your child. A good caregiver will always be happy to talk to you.
• Label your child’s clothes. This will make it less likely for them to get lost, which can cause stress for parents and carers.
• Remember, Happy Parents + Happy Staff = Happy Children!

Find out more about 1st Place nurseries and our unique approach to early years education.