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Settling-in sessions

Helping your child feel comfortable at nursery


Starting nursery brings lots of new experiences, from meeting new people to discovering a different environment and routine. Settling-in sessions give your child time to become familiar with their nursery before their usual sessions begin.

Our nursery teams will work with you to get to know your child, understand what is familiar and reassuring to them, and support their transition into nursery at a pace that reflects their individual needs.

What are settling-in sessions?

Settling-in sessions are shorter nursery sessions that take place before your child’s first day. They typically begin with a one-hour session and gradually increase to around two hours as your child becomes more familiar with the nursery. A family member will usually stay with them for the first session or two.

 

These sessions give your child time to explore their new surroundings, get to know the nursery team and begin becoming familiar with the other children around them.

 

They are also an important opportunity for you and the nursery team to share information about your child, including their routines, preferences and individual needs. This helps the team get to know your child and begins building the relationship that will support them throughout their time at nursery.

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Getting to know each other

Settling-in is about more than getting used to a new environment. It is a chance for your child, your family and the nursery team to get to know one another and begin building the relationships that will support your child as they settle into nursery life.

Meet their key person

Helping your child feel secure at nursery

Your child’s key person will be their primary carer at nursery, taking time to get to know them, their routines and individual needs. Building this familiar, trusted relationship can help your child feel secure and supported as they settle into nursery life. 

Explore their new surroundings

Getting comfortable with nursery life

Your child can begin exploring their room, resources and the wider nursery environment, while getting to know the team and other children they will spend time with.

Share what matters

Helping us get to know your child

Tell the team about your child’s routines, interests, preferences and individual needs. This helps us understand what is important to them and provide care that feels familiar and personal from the start.

Help us get to know your child

Getting to know the things that are familiar and important to your child can help the nursery team support them as they settle in. You might share: 

Their usual routines and preferences

Nap times, snack and meal times

Favourite activities, songs and interests

Comforters, teddies or familiar objects

What happens during settling-in?

The settling-in period gives your child time to gradually adjust to nursery life at a pace that reflects their individual needs.

 

The first sessions may involve you spending time at the nursery with your child and their key person. As your child becomes more comfortable with the environment and the people around them, they may begin spending some time at nursery without you.

 

Your nursery team will keep you updated on how your child is responding and talk through the next steps with you. Together, you can build a gradual introduction to nursery that supports your child as they become more settled and confident.

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How can you help your child prepare?

Talk about nursery
Talking positively and simply about nursery can help introduce your child to what is going to happen. You might talk about their nursery team, the things they will be able to explore and when you will return.
Bring something familiar
Your nursery team may suggest bringing a familiar comforter, such as a favourite toy or blanket, if this is something that helps your child feel reassured.
Share your child's routines
Tell the nursery team about routines and approaches that work well for your child at home. This can help them understand how best to support your child as they become familiar with nursery life.
Give it time
Some children may quickly feel comfortable in their new environment, while others need more time. Keep talking to your nursery team about how your child is responding so you can work together throughout the settling-in period.

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 is 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 the nursery environment, meet the team and find out more about the care and early years education your child could experience.

 

Whether you are choosing a nursery for the first time, considering a new setting or looking for a place for a younger sibling, it is a relaxed opportunity to ask questions and discover what feels right for your family.

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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.
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