Our settling-in philosophy

We believe settling in is not a process to be rushed. Children need time, consistency and genuine connection to feel safe in a new environment — and we give them all three.

We do not push children to separate before they are ready. We do not dismiss tears or dismiss a child's feelings as "just a phase." Instead, we work alongside each family to create the most gradual, positive transition we can — respecting your child's pace and temperament throughout.

Before your child starts: stay & play visits

Before your child's first official session, we arrange a series of stay & play visits — short, informal sessions where you stay with your child in the nursery. This helps them explore the environment, meet their key person and begin building familiarity, all while you are present.

1
First visit (with parent/carer) A short stay & play (usually 1–2 hours). You stay the whole time. Your child explores; you observe. Their key person begins to build a connection.
2
Second visit (short separation) You stay for the beginning, then leave briefly — 20–30 minutes — and return. This gives your child a first experience of you leaving and coming back.
3
Third visit (extended session) A longer stay without you — often including a meal. By this point, your child has familiar faces, familiar spaces and has experienced your return before.
4
Official start Your child begins their regular sessions. Settling visits have laid the groundwork. We monitor closely and communicate with you daily in the early weeks.

The key person system

Every child at JLK is assigned a key person — a dedicated practitioner who is their primary point of contact within the nursery. Your child's key person:

  • Gets to know your child's personality, preferences and routine
  • Is the first face your child sees at drop-off
  • Carries out daily observations and keeps their learning journey updated
  • Is the person you speak to at collection and during any concerns
  • Communicates any changes in mood, appetite or behaviour directly to you

If your child's key person changes (e.g. maternity leave, staff change), we manage this transition carefully, introducing the new person gradually and giving the child time to adjust.

The first few weeks: what to expect

Settling is rarely a straight line. Some children walk in happily on day one; others take several weeks to feel fully at ease. Both are completely normal.

What parents often notice in the first few weeks:

  • Tears at drop-off, followed by a happy report from nursery within minutes
  • Increased tiredness and emotional sensitivity at home (new environments are stimulating)
  • Regression in some behaviours (this is temporary and normal)
  • A sudden "click" moment — where they just start to love it

🧡 A note for parents: Drop-off tears are almost always brief. Your child loves you, and part of missing you is proof of that bond. Trust your key person to send you a quick message so you know they're settled — we do this as standard in the early weeks.

How we keep you informed

We know that leaving your child for the first time takes real trust. We work hard to justify that trust:

  • Daily verbal handover at collection — how the day went, what they ate, how they napped
  • Quick check-in messages in the early settling weeks if you'd like them
  • Learning journey updates — observations, milestones, photos (shared via our secure system)
  • Open door policy — you can always call the nursery during the day to check in
  • Regular parent conversations to discuss progress and any concerns, formally and informally

Tips for a smoother drop-off

  • Practise goodbyes at home. Play short "I'm going out and coming back" games to normalise separation.
  • Create a goodbye ritual. A specific hug, wave or phrase gives your child something familiar to hold on to.
  • Don't sneak away. Always say a clear goodbye. Disappearing creates anxiety; predictability builds trust.
  • Keep it positive. Your child reads your energy. If you're anxious, they feel it. Deep breath, big smile.
  • Arrive early on hard days. Rushing a tearful drop-off makes it worse for everyone.
  • Trust the process. Settling takes weeks, not days. Progress is not always linear — and that's okay.

📋 Settling-in week checklist

A session-by-session checklist to keep you on track through the settling-in process.

Open Checklist →

We'd love to meet you

The settling-in conversation starts at the tour. Come and meet your child's future key person, see the rooms and ask every question on your mind — no pressure, ever.

Book a Tour Packing Guide