Getting Your Child Ready for Nursery This Autumn

With spring fast turning to summer your baby may be starting Nursery. Are you and your family ready for what the autumn will bring?

Separation can be a very difficult emotion for you and your child, bringing both positive and negative feelings of guilt, relief, lack of control and nerves. So what steps can you take to ensure that the transition from home to Nursery is as smooth and stress-free for all concerned?

Top tips for a smooth start

• Prior to starting Nursery having opportunities to take your baby to local parent and toddler groups can help build confidence, social and cognitive skills and provide a good opportunity for your child to get used to being with lots of children.
• Your child’s personality, their ability to handle change and previous experience of being left alone with friends or family will affect how well your child handles separation. Start preparing for the big day in plenty of time by talking through what will happen at Nursery or reading books designed to deal with first day nerves.
• Plan in a few short visits to the nursery/playgroup staying with your child, then leave them for short periods, building up their trust that you’ll always return. Visits to the Nursery prior to their first day will enable you both to establish a positive relationship to get to know the staff and your key worker.
• Make sure you talk to your child about the coming transition. Encourage and excite them about the adventure ahead. Listen and answer their fears. Visit the school, meet with their new friends, use a ‘have a go’ attitude.
• Communication is key to a good childcare experience for you and your child, so don’t be afraid to ask the Nursery for feedback or discuss anything you want to. No question is ever a silly question as it is important that you feel comfortable with the care your child is receiving.
• Talk to the nursery/playgroup if you are a particular stage with your child like weaning, toilet training, etc. They will always be happy to help and have years of experience.
• Pass on as much information as you can to the Nursery about your child’s personality, likes and dislikes. Information is helpful to your child’s key worker and can help them settle your child in initially and then introduce your child to new experiences.

Try not to get too anxious about leaving your child or prolong the goodbyes. It can be difficult to leave when your child is crying but the Nursery will have plenty of strategies to

By Roosha Sue, Headmistress of Eaton House The Manor Nursery and Head of Early Learning, Eaton House Schools