Helping Your Child Settle into Nursery

Starting nursery is a big step, for little ones and for you. Here’s how to make the transition smooth, reassuring, and even exciting! 

Starting a nursery is the beginning of a brand new chapter. It can bring up all kinds of emotions - excitement, nerves, curiosity - and that is perfectly normal.

Here are some simple ways to help your little one feel comfortable, confident, and ready to explore:

Talk about it early (and often!)
Start chatting about nursery well before their first day. Talk about what they might see or do, who they might meet, and how fun it’ll be to play with the new toys and make new friends. Keep the tone light and positive - no pressure, just curiosity.

Visit together beforehand
Bring your child along when you first visit the nursery. Seeing them engage with the environment can help you feel more confident in your decision too! Many nurseries offer complimentary settle visits to help children ease into their new environment. These moments are just as important for parents as they are for children. Meeting the staff, exploring the rooms, and playing with the toys helps build trust and familiarity.

Bring something from home
A familiar comfort item - a blanket, a soft toy - can make all the difference in those early days. It brings a piece of home into their new environment and helps them feel more secure.

Create a goodbye routine
Whether it’s a special hug, a silly handshake, or a quick kiss and wave at the door - having a consistent upbeat goodbye routine can really help your child feel more secure and know what to expect each day.

Keep calm and confident
Children pick up on your energy. Even if you’re feeling emotional (and that’s ok!), try to keep goodbyes calm and reassuring. A confident, positive goodbye lets your child know they’re in a safe, caring place, because they truly are!

Stay connected during the day
If your nursery uses a daily update system or app, like Famly, it can help you feel more connected throughout the day - from meals and naps to little photos of their play and adventures. For many parents, this offers huge peace of mind and helps you stay connected even when you’re apart.

Be patient with the process
Every child is different. Some skip in happily for day one, while others take a little longer to feel at ease. That’s completely normal. Our team is here to support you both throughout the process, with empathy, experience, and lots of encouragement.

You’ve got this - and we’ve got you!
Settling in is just the beginning. With the right support, your child will quickly learn that nursery is a safe, fun place full of new friends, exciting play, and loving adults who truly care, and you’ll soon feel confident knowing you made the right choice.