How to help your child settle into Nursery.
Starting nursery is a big moment - for your child, and for you. It’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions: excitement, pride, a little worry, and sometimes even guilt.
You’re not alone - many families go through the same ups and downs during this transition. The good news is, there are plenty of simple, effective ways to help your child (and yourself!) feel more comfortable and confident about starting nursery.
Here are some helpful tips from Make Waves Nursery to support your child as they begin their nursery journey:
Talk About Nursery in a Positive Way:
Children are incredibly perceptive. Even if they don’t fully understand everything you say, they’re quick to pick up on how you say it - your tone, your body language, and your overall mood. That’s why it’s so important to talk about nursery in a positive and reassuring way in the lead-up to their first day.
In the days and weeks before they start, try weaving nursery into everyday conversations.
Talk about the fun things they’ll get to do:
“You’ll be able to paint pictures and try out lots of new games.”
“There’s a big garden where you can run around and play in the sandpit.”
“You’ll meet your key person, they’re really kind and will help you if you need anything.”
“There are lots of lovely toys like building blocks and your favourite sensory toys.”
These kinds of conversations help your child build a picture of what to expect, making the experience feel more familiar and less overwhelming. You can also mention activities they’re already excited by - like messy play, snack time, or story time - to help them feel more connected to what’s ahead.
At the same time, it’s worth being mindful of the phrases you use. Some well-meaning reassurances like “Don’t worry” or “Mummy will miss you so much” can actually introduce worries your child hasn’t yet thought about.
Instead, keep your words clear, calm, and positive:
“You’re going to have so much fun!”
“I can’t wait to hear all about your day when I pick you up.”
Consistency really helps. When nursery is presented as a fun, safe, and regular part of their routine, your child is more likely to feel confident and curious rather than anxious.
Many parents also find it helpful to read storybooks about starting nursery. Books that reflect your child’s experience can open up conversations, answer questions, and gently address any worries in a relatable way.
Ease Them In with Familiar Social Sessions:
For many children, nursery is their first real experience in a group environment. If your child hasn’t spent much time around other children, especially in a structured setting. It can be helpful to introduce them gradually through familiar, low-pressure experiences.
At Make Waves Nursery, we offer free settling-in sessions to help ease this transition.
These are two-hour visits designed to gently introduce your child to the nursery environment. We provide two of these sessions at no cost, and based on how your child responds, we’ll guide you on whether more sessions might be beneficial or if a full day feels like too much too soon.
Our aim is to make your child’s transition as smooth, fun, and reassuring as possible. During these sessions, their key person will begin forming a strong bond with your child, getting to know their personality, interests, and what helps them feel safe and happy.
Starting a nursery can feel overwhelming at first, so bringing along a familiar comfort item can really help. This might be a well-loved teddy, a favourite toy car, or a special blanket.
Something that brings your child a sense of comfort and connection to home. These items offer more than comfort; they provide a sense of security and predictability in a brand-new environment.
You can involve your child in choosing what to take with them. Offering simple choices like:
“Would you like to take your rabbit or your blue police car today?”
gives a sense of control and involvement, which helps ease anxiety.
They might not need their comforter all day but just knowing it’s safely tucked away in their bag can make a big difference.
As they grow in confidence and feel more at home in the setting, many children begin to rely on these familiar items less and less.
Talk to the Nursery Staff:
Building a strong relationship with your child’s key person is one of the most effective ways to support their settling-in journey.
At Make Waves Nursery, our staff do so much more than care for your child day-to-day.
They are experienced in spotting emotional cues, encouraging independence, and creating a safe, welcoming environment where children feel confident to explore and learn.
We encourage you to share openly with us. Whether it’s your child’s daily routine, favourite comfort item, recent changes at home, or any worries you may have, no detail is too small. The more we know, the better we can tailor our care to your child’s unique needs, offering consistency and reassurance throughout their day.
It’s also completely okay to call the nursery during settling-in sessions or before your child’s first full day. If you’d like to check how they’re doing, what they’ve enjoyed, or whether anything has been a little tricky, we’re always happy to talk.
Regular communication helps you feel reassured and when parents feel confident, children often do too.
This open line of communication works both ways. If your child has had a restless night, is teething, or has been out of their usual routine, letting us know helps us plan their day with greater understanding and care.
At Make Waves Nursery, your child’s happiness and security are just as important to us as they are to you.
We’re committed to working in partnership with you to create a nurturing, personalised experience that supports your child to thrive.
We’ll also keep you informed with daily handovers, so you know how your child’s day has gone. In addition, we use the Tapestry App to share updates on meals, activities, and developmental observations, so you can see how your child is growing and learning during their time with us.