Is your child starting nursery? Simple tips to develop a smooth transition

Starting nursery is a big milestone—for children and parents. It’s often the first time your child experiences being cared for outside the family home, and it’s completely natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.

The good news is that with a little preparation and plenty of reassurance, settling into nursery can be a positive and happy experience for everyone involved.

Here are some simple tips to help your child prepare for nursery before they start, and some reassurances as to what we do here at Hassocks Day Nursery to help the transition.

How Parents Can Help Before Starting Nursery

There are lots of small but powerful things you can do at home to help your child feel ready and confident:

For toddlers/ Preschoolers:

• Talk positively about nursery -  Chat with your child about nursery in a calm, upbeat way. Mention the toys they’ll play with, the garden areas, the friends they’ll make, or the fun activities they’ll enjoy. Even very young children pick up on tone, so keeping conversations positive really helps.

• Show pictures of activities and the rooms - our website, social channels and nursery brochure are full of pictures of the nursery rooms and the fantastic activities we get up to. Why not look through some of these with your child to get them familiar with the room and excited for the activities they’ll be taking part in.

• Establish gentle routines -  In the weeks leading up to their start date, try to introduce routines similar to a nursery day—regular mealtimes, naps, and a consistent morning routine. Familiar patterns help children feel safe and secure.

• Encourage independence -  Simple skills like washing hands, putting on a coat, or feeding themselves can boost your child’s confidence. There’s no pressure for perfection—every little step helps.

• Read books about starting nursery -  Stories about characters starting nursery or preschool can help children understand what to expect and open up conversations about how they might be feeling about starting.

For babies

For babies, starting nursery is less about understanding what’s happening and more about how it feels. Whilst babies may not yet fully understand explanations, they are highly tuned into routines, familiar faces, and emotional cues.

• Settle sessions - Spending time with new caregivers during settling-in sessions is especially important for babies. Seeing their parent relaxed and comfortable in the nursery environment helps babies feel safe. 

• Consistent routine - Babies find comfort in familiarity, so consistency is key. Keeping daily routines predictable—such as sleep times, feeds, and comforting rituals—can help your baby feel secure during times of change. Bringing familiar items to nursery, like a favourite comforter, blanket, or soft toy, can also provide reassurance through familiar smells and textures.

• Practice short separations - If possible, leaving your child with a trusted family member or friend for short periods can help them learn that separations are temporary and that you always come back.

• Calm drop-offs - Even without words, babies pick up on body language and tone, so staying calm and positive at drop-off can make a big difference.

• Encourage socialisation - Try to attend baby/ toddler groups prior to your child starting. This enables them to start to get used to being around other babies and being in a slightly louder setting.

How We Support Children Settling In at Our Nursery

At our nursery, we understand that every child is unique, and settling in looks different for everyone. Our approach is gentle, flexible, and always led by the child’s needs.

• A gradual settling-in process -  We offer settling-in sessions so children can explore the nursery with a parent or carer nearby. This helps them become familiar with the environment, the routines, and our team before starting independently.

• Key person system -  Each child is supported by a dedicated key person who takes time to build a strong, trusting relationship. Babies are supported through cuddles, eye contact, play and responsive care to build strong attachments. This familiar face helps children feel safe, secure, understood, and cared for.

• Comfort and reassurance -  Children are welcome to bring comfort items from home, such as a favourite teddy or blanket. These familiar items can be incredibly soothing during the early days.

• Meet your child’s key person -  We work closely with families, sharing updates and listening carefully to any concerns. Before your child starts you’ll have a chance to speak with your key person to discuss what your child enjoys, what comforts them, and their home routines, which helps us provide consistent care. You will also be able to complete an All About Me Form which provides further detail about your child and their likes/ dislikes. 

• A very gentle, responsive approach with babies - We spend time getting to know each babies individual routines, cues, and preferences—whether that’s how they like to be soothed, how they fall asleep, or how they show they need comfort.

• Following home routines  - For babies we follow home routines as closely as possible to create a sense of continuity between home and nursery, helping babies feel safe and secure.

• Play, patience, and praise -  Through play-based activities, gentle encouragement, and lots of praise, we help children grow in confidence at their own pace. We never rush the process—settling in is a journey, not a race.

  
  

A Final Reassurance

At Hassocks Day Nursery we move at each child’s pace. Some children settle quickly, while others need more time and reassurance—and that’s completely okay. With patience, warmth, and consistency, children learn that nursery is a safe place where their needs are met and they are cared for with love.

Whilst tears at drop-off are normal, it’s also important to remember that they are usually short-lived. In most cases, children settle quickly once they’re engaged in play and supported by familiar, caring adults.

Starting nursery is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter filled with learning, friendships, and fun. By working together, we can ensure your child feels safe, happy, and ready to thrive.