Emotional Preparation for Parents and Children When Starting Nursery
Starting nursery is a significant milestone, not just for your child, but for you as a parent too. At Nursery Rhymes & Jabberwocky Pre-School, we understand that this new chapter can bring a mixture of excitement, pride and full of emotion. These feelings are completely normal and we are here to support you every step of the way.
We have created this guide to help you and your child feel emotionally prepared for the journey ahead. Whether this is your first experience of nursery or not, each child and each family is different. We approach every transition with care, flexibility and plenty of understanding.
Inside the guide, you’ll find gentle advice on introducing the idea of nursery to your child, including practical ways to help build their confidence and independence. From talking positively about what to expect, to visiting us together at stay-and-play sessions, there are lots of simple things you can do to help your child feel ready.
We know the first drop-off can be emotional, which is why we offer a personalised, child-led settling-in process. Some children settle quickly, while others need a little more time and that’s absolutely fine. We will work with you to create a plan that suits your child’s needs and keeps you informed and reassured throughout.
Above all, we’re here for you too. Many of our team are parents themselves and we never underestimate how much trust it takes to leave your little one in someone else’s care. We are always at the door with a friendly face and we’re more than happy to offer a quick update, a listening ear, or a bit of extra reassurance when you need it.
Starting nursery is a big step, but you don’t have to take it alone. We’re proud to walk alongside our families during these early days, helping your child settle, thrive, feel safe and helping you feel confident and supported too.
We have created this guide to help you and your child feel emotionally prepared for the journey ahead. Whether this is your first experience of nursery or not, each child and each family is different. We approach every transition with care, flexibility and plenty of understanding.
Inside the guide, you’ll find gentle advice on introducing the idea of nursery to your child, including practical ways to help build their confidence and independence. From talking positively about what to expect, to visiting us together at stay-and-play sessions, there are lots of simple things you can do to help your child feel ready.
We know the first drop-off can be emotional, which is why we offer a personalised, child-led settling-in process. Some children settle quickly, while others need a little more time and that’s absolutely fine. We will work with you to create a plan that suits your child’s needs and keeps you informed and reassured throughout.
Above all, we’re here for you too. Many of our team are parents themselves and we never underestimate how much trust it takes to leave your little one in someone else’s care. We are always at the door with a friendly face and we’re more than happy to offer a quick update, a listening ear, or a bit of extra reassurance when you need it.
Starting nursery is a big step, but you don’t have to take it alone. We’re proud to walk alongside our families during these early days, helping your child settle, thrive, feel safe and helping you feel confident and supported too.
💛 It’s Completely Normal to Feel Emotional
Even the most confident of parents can find that first goodbye at the nursery door a bit emotional — and that’s perfectly okay. Starting nursery is a big change, and every family handles it differently.
Many of our team members are parents too, and we understand the trust it takes to leave your child in someone else’s care. Our job is to help you feel just as confident as your child, with lots of communication, care and reassurance as you both find your feet.
🧸 Helping Your Child Feel Ready
Here are some gentle and practical ways to help prepare your child emotionally for starting nursery:
Talk Positively - Chat with your child about nursery in a cheerful, relaxed way. Talk about the fun things they might do, the other children they will meet and how kind the grown-ups are. Picture books about starting nursery can help open up these conversations.
Visit Together - We offer settling in sessions so you and your child can explore the space together, meet our team, and start building familiarity in a low-pressure environment.
Practise Separations - Try short, positive separations in the weeks leading up to nursery. Perhaps time with a grandparent, family friend, or another trusted adult. This builds confidence that you will always come back.
🌟 Our Approach to Settling In
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to settling in, every child is unique and their nursery experience should reflect that.
We will work with you to create a personalised settling-in plan on your first visit when we fill out your child's all about me book, which may include shorter sessions, a gradual build-up of hours, or extra time for your child to form a bond with their key person. We will always keep you updated on how things are going and make adjustments where needed.
You are welcome to stay for the first sessions if your child needs that extra support, we are flexible, kind and experienced in helping children transition in their own time.
👋 Tips for the First Drop-Off
That first proper goodbye can be a big moment. Here are a few things that can help:
🪴 Be Kind to Yourself Too
It is easy to focus on how your child is coping, but remember to check in with yourself too. This is a big change for you as well. It is okay to feel emotional, unsure, or even guilty, these feelings are all part of the process.
Please know you’re not alone. We are always here to chat, reassure and support you as you adjust to this new routine. You are doing an amazing job and it is a privilege to be part of your child’s early years journey.
🤝 Let’s Work Together
Our priority is to build strong, trusting relationships with families. If you ever have questions, worries, or simply want to chat things through, we’re always happy to listen.
Together, we can make this a positive, exciting and enriching start to your child’s time at Nursery Rhymes & Jabberwocky Pre-School.
Even the most confident of parents can find that first goodbye at the nursery door a bit emotional — and that’s perfectly okay. Starting nursery is a big change, and every family handles it differently.
Many of our team members are parents too, and we understand the trust it takes to leave your child in someone else’s care. Our job is to help you feel just as confident as your child, with lots of communication, care and reassurance as you both find your feet.
🧸 Helping Your Child Feel Ready
Here are some gentle and practical ways to help prepare your child emotionally for starting nursery:
Talk Positively - Chat with your child about nursery in a cheerful, relaxed way. Talk about the fun things they might do, the other children they will meet and how kind the grown-ups are. Picture books about starting nursery can help open up these conversations.
Visit Together - We offer settling in sessions so you and your child can explore the space together, meet our team, and start building familiarity in a low-pressure environment.
Practise Separations - Try short, positive separations in the weeks leading up to nursery. Perhaps time with a grandparent, family friend, or another trusted adult. This builds confidence that you will always come back.
🌟 Our Approach to Settling In
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to settling in, every child is unique and their nursery experience should reflect that.
We will work with you to create a personalised settling-in plan on your first visit when we fill out your child's all about me book, which may include shorter sessions, a gradual build-up of hours, or extra time for your child to form a bond with their key person. We will always keep you updated on how things are going and make adjustments where needed.
You are welcome to stay for the first sessions if your child needs that extra support, we are flexible, kind and experienced in helping children transition in their own time.
👋 Tips for the First Drop-Off
That first proper goodbye can be a big moment. Here are a few things that can help:
- Keep goodbyes short and sweet – A quick hug, a smile, and a confident “I’ll see you soon!” goes a long way in helping your child feel secure.
- Avoid sneaking away – While it may feel easier, it can create anxiety for your child if they suddenly realise you’ve gone.
- Bring a comforter – A familiar soft toy, blanket, or even a family photo can be a big source of reassurance in those early days.
- Trust your child’s key person – We are here to comfort, support and help your child settle. If you ever want an update, just ask.
🪴 Be Kind to Yourself Too
It is easy to focus on how your child is coping, but remember to check in with yourself too. This is a big change for you as well. It is okay to feel emotional, unsure, or even guilty, these feelings are all part of the process.
Please know you’re not alone. We are always here to chat, reassure and support you as you adjust to this new routine. You are doing an amazing job and it is a privilege to be part of your child’s early years journey.
🤝 Let’s Work Together
Our priority is to build strong, trusting relationships with families. If you ever have questions, worries, or simply want to chat things through, we’re always happy to listen.
Together, we can make this a positive, exciting and enriching start to your child’s time at Nursery Rhymes & Jabberwocky Pre-School.