A Parents and Guardians guide to settling in to nursery

Having a child is very much a journey.  A key stage in this journey is the moment when your child goes into nursery, pre-school or a childminder for the first time.  If children are carefully prepared they can settle in without much ado.  So what preparation needs to take place ? We offer extended services to suit your childcare needs.

It is important to understand that young children are actually primed to stay close to their parents.  From the age of about eight months onwards until three years and older, children react when their parents leave by crying and protesting.  In order to prevent your child from becoming distressed when they are left at the Nursery, the staff will work with you to settle your child in.

Visiting a few times before actually leaving your child allows him/her to become familiar with the new surroundings and staff.  There are several ways in which you can help your child to settle in smoothly:

• During visits allow the staff and other children a chance to build a relationship with your child.  Constantly playing alongside your child may mislead them to thinking you will always be there.
• Try to remain calm and positive – your child will take this as a cue that it is fine to stay.
• Most parents wonder how quickly they can leave their children.  It depends on the individual child.  Don’t rush the process.
• Please don’t ‘sneak off’ if your child is happily playing.  Aim instead to build a ‘goodbye’ routine so that your child knows that you are going but is confident that you will always come back.

“The guidance offered to us by staff at Crossens Nursery made our child’s transition effortless”