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.

Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools is delighted to announce the acquisition of Polka Dot Farm, marking another exciting milestone in our growth journey and bringing our family of nurseries to 44 settings across the UK.

Located in Billericay, Polka Dot Farm is a unique farm based nursery that inspires children through outdoor learning and hands on experiences. Its commitment to providing exceptional early years education, nurturing creativity, curiosity and confidence, aligns closely with the Happy Days ethos and our vision of supporting every child to become a learner for life.

We are pleased to confirm that the existing team at Polka Dot Farm will remain in place, ensuring continuity for children and families while preserving the special culture and environment that has made the nursery such a success. We look forward to working alongside our new colleagues and building on the fantastic foundations already in place.

Kim Herbert, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Polka Dot Farm into the Happy Days family. Their dedication to delivering high quality care and education reflects our own commitment to helping children become confident, curious and enthusiastic learners for life. We are excited to spend time at the nursery, get to know our new colleagues and families, and become part of the local community.”

Polka Dot Farm was founded by Sian Douglas and Faye O’Rourke in 2023 and has quickly established an outstanding reputation within the sector. The nursery achieved an Ofsted Outstanding judgement at its first inspection and was named Nursery of the Year in 2024.

Reflecting on the acquisition, Sian Douglas and Faye O’Rourke said:

“Building Polka Dot Farm from a standing start in 2023 into the extraordinary setting it is today has been a career highlight for both of us. From achieving Ofsted Outstanding at our very first inspection to being awarded Nursery of the Year last year, it has been an incredibly rewarding journey.

“Exceptional childcare remains at the heart of everything we do, and we are confident that Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools is perfectly placed to continue that legacy. We look forward to seeing the nursery thrive in the years ahead and wish the team every success for the future.”

We are excited to welcome the children, families and team at Polka Dot Farm to Happy Days and look forward to supporting the nursery as it continues to grow and shine.

Screens are part of everyday family life. Most young children use screens in some form and for many parents they can be a useful tool for learning, entertainment and staying connected with family and friends.

However recent government guidance highlights that while screens are now a normal part of childhood, how, when and what children watch matters.

The first five years of life are a crucial time for brain development. During these early years, children learn best through talking, playing, exploring, moving and spending time with caring adults.

What Does the New Guidance Recommend?

Children under 2 years

• Avoid screen use where possible.
• Video calls and shared activities with a parent or carer are okay.
• Focus on face to face interaction, play, singing, reading and conversation.

Children aged 2 to 5 years

• Aim for no more than one hour of screen time each day.
• Avoid screens during mealtimes.
• Avoid screens during the hour before bedtime.
• Choose age appropriate, slower paced content.

Why does it matter?

Research suggests that too much screen use can reduce the time children spend:

• Talking and communicating with others
• Playing and being physically active
• Reading books and listening to stories
• Developing attention and concentration skills
• Getting the sleep they need

Studies have also found links between very high levels of screen use and delays in language development. Early years professionals have reported that some children are now arriving at school expecting books to work like tablets, attempting to swipe or tap pages rather than turn them.

Not All Screen Time Is the Same

The quality of screen use is just as important as the amount.

Better choices:
✓ Watching together and talking about what you see
✓ Slower paced, age appropriate programmes
✓ Video calls with family members
✓ Interactive content that encourages conversation and learning

Try to avoid:
✗ Fast paced, social media style videos
✗ Endless scrolling content
✗ Screen use during meals
✗ Screens as part of the bedtime routine
✗ Young children using devices alone for long periods

Watch Together When You Can

Children learn more when adults join in. Talking about what is happening on screen, asking questions and making connections to real life can help support language, thinking and understanding.

Simple questions such as:

• “What do you think will happen next?”
• “Can you spot the red car?”
• “How do you think that character feels?”

Can turn screen time into a shared learning experience.

Simple Screen Swaps

Small changes can make a big difference.

Instead of a screen, try:

• A bedtime story before sleep / Looking at books together
• Singing songs together
• Drawing or colouring
• Simple board games
• Outdoor play
• Talking about your day at mealtimes

You don’t have to be perfect. Even a few small screen free moments each day can support your child’s development.

A Message for Parents and Carers

Parenting in the digital age can be challenging. The aim of this guidance is not to blame or judge families, but to offer practical support. Every family is different. Focus on creating healthy habits, spending time together and making screen use as positive and purposeful as possible.

Remember: Talk more. Play more. Read more. Connect more.

These everyday interactions are some of the most powerful ways to support your child’s development.

Useful links

1001 Critical Days Foundation
www.1001criticaldays.com/press-releases/from-teddies-to-tablets-press-release

BBC News Article: Is screen time always bad and how do I manage it?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crk1e11ek8vo

The Conversation Article: UK parents urged to curb fast‑paced screen content for small children – neuroscientist who advised government explains why
https://theconversation.com/uk-parents-urged-to-curb-fast-paced-screen-content-for-small-children-neuroscientist-who-advised-government-explains-why-278732

Department for Education: New advice for parents on screen time for young children
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/new-advice-for-parents-on-screen-time-for-young-children/