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Our nursery admissions process

From finding a nursery to your child's first day

 

Starting nursery is a big change for children and families, so it helps to know what to expect. Our nursery teams are here to guide you through each stage, from your first visit to settling in and getting to know your child's nursery routine.

Here's how your journey could look.

1. Find your nursery

Start with a setting that feels right

 

Use our nursery finder to explore nurseries near you and discover more about their environments, teams, educational approaches and everyday experiences.
Find a nursery
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2. Visit the nursery

Meet the team and experience the setting

A nursery visit gives you the opportunity to look around, meet the people who could be caring for your child and get a feel for everyday nursery life.

You can talk through your child's needs and routines, ask about availability, fees and childcare funding, and discuss anything else that's important to your family.

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3. Register for a place

Ready to join your chosen nursery?

Once you've decided the nursery feels right for your family, the team will guide you through the registration process and explain what information they need from you.

Register for your nursery
Teacher helps two young children bake at a classroom table; boy holds dough, girl rolls pastry, creating a warm, joyful learning scene.

4. Prepare your child to start nursery

Our top tips to help your family prepare

 

Starting nursery brings new routines, new people and new experiences, and it is natural to wonder how your child will adjust. There are simple things you can do before their first day to help them feel more familiar and comfortable with what is ahead.

 

Our guide linked below, brings together early years insight and experiences shared by families, with practical ideas to help you prepare for this next step.

Your essential starting nursery checklist
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5. Book settling in sessions

Helping your child feel at home

 

Settling-in sessions give your child time to explore their new surroundings, get to know the nursery team and gradually become more familiar with nursery life before their first full day.

 

Your nursery manager will get in touch with you well in advance of our child's start date to book settling in sessions. 

Find out more about settling-in sessions
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6. Their first day of nursery!

By the time your child’s first full day at nursery arrives, they will have had opportunities to become familiar with the environment, nursery team and their key person.

 

Your nursery team will let you know what to bring, talk you through drop-offs and pick-ups, and answer any questions you have before their first day.

 

Once nursery begins, that communication continues. Conversations with the team, alongside updates through the GrandirUK App during the day, will help you understand how your child is settling in and give you opportunities to share anything that may help the team support them.

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See what makes our nurseries special

There's no better way to get a feel for nursery life than by visiting in person. Our open days and events give you the opportunity to explore our environments, meet our passionate teams and see children learning, playing and growing every day.

 

Perfect for families considering their first nursery, a new setting or a place for a younger sibling, they're a relaxed way to discover what makes our childcare experience unique.

Nursery open days
Find open days
Community events
Find events

Get in touch

Have a question or need support? Our friendly team is here to help with nursery enquiries, admissions, funding, or anything else you need.
Contact us