Before You Start
Complete these before your child's first settling-in session.
- Settling-in schedule agreed with the nursery team
- Met the room team at the induction visit
- Online registration completed via the link emailed to you
- Shared child's routines, preferences and comfort items with the room team
- Packed a comfort item from home
- Labelled all clothing and bag
- Arranged time off / flexibility for the settling-in period
Session 1 — Stay & Play
You stay with your child for the full session. No pressure — just explore together.
- Arrived on time and introduced yourselves to the room team
- Let your child lead — follow their curiosity
- Stayed calm and positive (children read our emotions)
- Noted what your child enjoyed / was anxious about
- Shared observations with the room team at the end
Session 2 — Short Separation
Try stepping out for 15–30 minutes while your child is settled.
- Said a confident, brief goodbye (don't linger)
- Stayed nearby and reachable by phone
- Came back at the agreed time without fuss
- Debriefed with the room team on how the separation went
Tip: A confident goodbye is kinder than a long, drawn-out farewell. A short phrase like "I'll be back after lunch" gives your child a clear anchor point.
Session 3 — Building Up
Extend the time away. Aim for a full half-session without you.
- Settled your child with a familiar member of the room team before leaving
- Left promptly after a calm goodbye
- Resisted checking in unless nursery called
- Collected at the agreed time and praised your child warmly
End of First Week — Review
Take stock of how things are going before the full schedule begins.
- Spoken to the room team about your child's progress
- Discussed any concerns or adjustments needed
- Confirmed start date for full sessions
- Set up a daily communication routine (app / verbal handover)
- Celebrated your child's bravery — they've done brilliantly!
Remember: Some children need more time than others, and that is completely fine. We will never rush the process. If you need to extend the settling-in period, just talk to the room team or the manager — we're flexible. A dedicated key person is matched with your child after 2–3 weeks of attending, once we've observed who they naturally connect with.