Settling into Nursery Life
Settling In Sessions
We understand that starting nursery is a milestone filled with excitement — and sometimes a few nerves too. That’s why at New Beginnings, we take great care in making those first steps feel calm, reassuring and full of warmth.
We offer complimentary settling-in sessions up to four weeks before your child’s official start date. These gentle introductions give your child the opportunity to explore their new environment gradually, building confidence at a pace that feels right for them.
At the heart of our approach is the belief that strong, secure relationships are the foundation of every child’s happiness and development. From the very beginning, your child’s Key Person will begin forming a close, trusting bond with both you and your child — creating a secure base from which they can explore, learn and thrive.
Every child settles differently. Some may feel at home very quickly, especially if they have an older sibling already with us. Others may take a little more time — and that’s absolutely okay. We follow your child’s lead, offering patience, comfort and reassurance every step of the way.
We warmly encourage families to bring their child along to the initial show-around visit. It’s a lovely first opportunity for them to see the nursery, meet the team and begin to feel familiar with their new surroundings. Once registered, settling sessions (usually one to three hours) include completing an “All About Me” form with your Key Person. This helps us understand your child’s routines, interests and preferences so we can make the transition from home to nursery as smooth and nurturing as possible.
Our goal is simple: for your child to feel safe, valued and excited to come through our doors — and for you to feel confident, supported and completely reassured.
How we will support you and your child
We believe that the settling-in process should take as long as you and your child need and is tailored to your child. Every child reacts differently; some will settle straight away and others will need more time and reassurance before they are ready to spend time away from you. Don’t worry, we will be there for you and your child every step of the way – we have over 20 years of experience and our colleagues are used to meeting the individual needs of each and every child.
Top tips for settling your child into nursery
Communication is key
Voice your concerns and don’t be afraid to ask questions – nursery staff are there and happy to answer any questions and queries you might have.
Don't expect too much too quickly
It’s never going to be perfect, but with good communication, the help of an experienced nursery team and a good relationship with your key person, you can create a smooth transition together.
There may be tears
Children often get upset, especially to start with, but that isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong – it’s more likely their way of communicating that they don’t want you to leave. Separation anxiety and fear of strangers usually start around eight to nine months, which is not ideal considering that’s when many families start to think about starting their child in nursery.
Trust in the nursery's expertise
Nursery staff have experienced this transition numerous times. They possess the expertise to guide you, and they genuinely want both you and your baby to thrive. Pay attention to their advice and collaborate with them to discover what suits your little one best.