Starting a new nursery is an anxious time for both parents and children, which is why a structured and generous settling in process is so important.
Every child is different and for that reason a good settling in process should take as long as you and your child need. Every child will respond differently; some will settle straight away and others will need more time and reassurance before they are ready to spend time away from you.
What are Settling in Sessions?
Settling in Sessions are designated days where you can attend nursery with your child before they start their regular attendance. They allow children to get used to the nursery environment, team and routine with the comfort of their parent/carer present, as each sessions go on the duration of time at nursery and away from their parent/carer will increase. We feel this sets your child up for the best start as it leaves them with a sense of understanding and comfortability with nursery life before their first day.
What does a thorough settling in process look like?
At Happy Days we have a unique settling in process that starts 6-8 weeks before your child’s start date, with the first few visits to nursery lasting only an hour, with you, their parent/carer, staying with them. We will work at your child’s pace, gradually lengthening the time they are in nursery and are away from their parent. The settling in process can take as long as your child needs.
The Settling in Process
Step 1: The Key Person
The first step in the settling in process is allocating your child to their Key Person.
At Happy Days, we are committed to adopting the Key Person approach to ensure that every child’s care is tailored to meet their individual needs. The Key Person will provide consistent and continuous care in order to support the development of close attachments which support a child’s emotional wellbeing, providing a secure base from which to learn. Children thrive when their needs are met by people they know, trust and respect.
Your child’s Key Person will build relationships with you so you feel reassured and confident that an adult who is tuned in to your child’s individual needs is caring for your child.
Your child’s Key Person will:
- Develop secure attachments with your child to support their emotional wellbeing
- Develop a collaborative partnership with you to ensure a continuity of care and learning between home and Nursery
- Effectively communicate with you on a daily basis regarding your child’s day and learning experiences
- Wherever possible meet the individual intimate care needs of your child
- Continually monitor and assess the developmental progress of your child
- Ensure that regular communication regarding your child’s development is shared with you
- Support your child’s positive transition into Nursery and when they transition to another room/school
We will allocate your Key Person based on your child’s personality, likes and dislikes and try and align these with the Key Person. Don’t worry if your child does not form an attachment with their Key Person initially, these relationships take time and will develop over the course of the settling in process. However, on the rare occasion a child does not form a bond with their Key Person a new one will be allocated and the settling in process will continue whilst your child gets to know their new Key Person.
You will be advised of who your child’s Key Person is prior to your start date and your Key Person or Nursery Manager will contact you to arrange your settling in sessions.
Step 2: Settling In Sessions
- Upon arrival at the setting the Nursery Manager will introduce you to your child’s Key Person and the rest of the room team
- Your Key Person will have an age appropriate activity ready for your child’s settling in session
- Together with your Key Person you will discuss the ‘Getting to Know Me Form’ to ensure that full information has been gathered in relation to your child’s individual needs
- We request that you bring along a picture of your family and any pets from home that we can keep at nursery
- The first session will be for a short period of time where we ask you to stay
What to expect on your first settling in session:
At the end of the first session, we will discuss how you felt the session has gone and arrange further sessions with the length and number of these depending on how your child has settled in their first session. Don’t worry, we will assess and review these sessions every time you and your child visit and slow down or speed up the process, depending on your child’s needs.
The aim is to increase the length of the settling in sessions and the period your child is away from you, whilst allowing your child to experience every part of nursery life including, meal times, sleep time, snacks, outdoor play, structured activities and more.
At the end of the settling in process, your child will be ready and eager to start nursery, enabling you to drop off on the first day confident that your child is happy, settled and well cared for.
Happy Days Settling in session FAQ
Q. Are they free?
A. YES!
Q. When do they take place?
A. 8 weeks before preferred start date whenever possible.
Q. How many do you have to do?
A. Duration is completely dependent on the nurseries recommendation and parents preference, however 8 weeks is our recommendation whenever possible.
Q. What if my child does not settle?
A. Every child is different and that’s why our settling in process can take as long as your child needs.
The First Day
We know that even though you and your child have been through the settling in process, the first day can still be an anxious time for you and your child. Your child’s Key Person will be there to greet you and your child and help them settle in quickly.
What to Bring to Nursery
- At least one change of clothes
- A sunhat during the Summer months
- A pair of wellies
- In colder weather, a woolly hat, gloves and warm coat (the children will explore the outdoor environment in all weathers)
- Any medication your child may need during the session (please see our Medication Policy)
- Any comforters your child may need throughout their time at Nursery
Top Tips
Focus on the positive: When getting ready for nursery having a positive conversation is very important. Having your child think about positive memories should help ensure they settle well and feel happy to wave goodbye in the morning.
Routine: Having a routine in the morning is also a good way of helping your child settle. Start by saying goodbye and explain when you will be back e.g. after lunch or after tea.