Top Tips to Prepare your Child for Nursery

As any parent knows, the very first nursery experience for a child (and parent) can be extremely intimidating. Whether you’re sending your child to nursery for a few days or hours a week – it’s not unusual to feel apprehensive about how it will go.

There are a few things you can spend time doing with your child in weeks leading up to their first day at nursery to ensure you both are prepared.

We’ve put together some of our top tips on how best to prepare your child for the transition from home to nursery below.

1. Speak to the staff

Take the time beforehand to get to know the staff and provide them with any information they may need to ensure your little one is as comfortable as possible. Such as what they like, don’t like, when they tend to sleep, any fears they may have and what stage they are at with their toilet training.

2. Read a storybook about starting nursery

A good way of familiarising your child with the concept of nursery, is to read them a story about starting nursery for the first time. If you can, we recommend you aim to get one a few of weeks before your child starts, and make it part of their bedtime routine. If you would like to find out more, email us via [email protected]. This book is a limited edition, so get one while you can!

Otherwise, check out our recommendations for other books about starting nursery here.

3. Share your memories

Do you remember your time at nursery? Talk about nursery in a positive light, as something exciting and enjoyable. Tell your little one upbeat stories about your time at nursery – the fun games you played, the activities you enjoyed and friends you made.

4. Book a visit!

It sounds obvious, but not only is it good to meet people in the flesh, it also makes things a lot easier on both you and your little one during the transition period, by seeing a familiar face and place when you drop them off for their first day.

You also can peek into all our different rooms and play areas! From our baby, toddler, and preschool rooms to our gardens and kitchens.

By coming along for a visit, you get to take in the environment and envisage the place where your child will develop and grow over the next few years.

You can also to speak to our helpful customer services team on 0800 028 4500 any time between 8.30 am – 6.30 pm. Or you can send them an email on [email protected] with any queries, or if you would like to book a visit.

We hope you enjoyed our top tips!

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