Helping Your Child Settle Into Nursery

Simple Tips for a Smooth Transition

Starting nursery is a big milestone, for both children and parents. It’s often the first time your child experiences being cared for outside the family home, so 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 before they start, along with how we support children during their transition at Magnolia Tree Day Nursery.

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 and Preschoolers

Talk positively about nursery - Speak about nursery in a calm and upbeat way. Talk about the toys, outdoor spaces, new friends, and fun activities they’ll enjoy. Even very young children pick up on tone, so positivity really helps shape their expectations.

Look at photos together - Our website, social media channels, and nursery brochure are full of photos of our rooms and activities. Looking through these together can help your child become familiar with the environment and feel excited about what’s to come.

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 confidence. There’s no need for perfection—every small step makes a difference.

Read books about starting nursery - Stories about children starting nursery or preschool can help your child understand what to expect and encourage conversations about their feelings.

For Babies

For babies, starting nursery is less about understanding what’s happening and more about how it feels. While they may not understand explanations, they are highly attuned to routines, familiar faces, and emotional cues.

Attend settling-in sessions - Spending time with caregivers during settling sessions is especially important. When babies see their parent feeling calm and comfortable, it helps them feel safe too.

Keep routines consistent - Babies thrive on familiarity. Keeping sleep times, feeds, and comforting rituals consistent helps them feel secure during times of change. Bringing familiar items—like a favourite blanket or comforter—can also provide reassurance.

Practise short separations - If possible, leave your baby with a trusted family member or friend for short periods. This helps them learn that separations are temporary and that you will always return.

Stay calm at drop-off - Babies pick up on body language and tone, so a calm, confident goodbye can make a big difference.

Encourage early social experiences-  Attending baby or toddler groups can help your child get used to being around others and experiencing slightly busier environments.

How We Support Children Settling In at Our Nursery

At Magnolia Tree Day 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 where children can explore the nursery with a parent or carer nearby. This helps them become familiar with the environment, daily routines, and our team before attending independently.

A dedicated key person - Each child is supported by a key person who builds a strong, trusting relationship with them. For babies, this includes cuddles, eye contact, play, and responsive care to support secure attachments. Having a familiar face helps children feel safe, 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 in the early days.

Working in partnership with parents - Before your child starts, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your child’s key person and share important information about their routines, preferences, and what comforts them. Our “All About Me” form also helps us get to know your child as an individual.

A gentle, responsive approach for babies - We take time to understand each baby’s unique routines, cues, and preferences—whether that’s how they like to be soothed, how they fall asleep, or how they communicate their needs.

Following home routines - For babies especially, we follow home routines as closely as possible to provide consistency and continuity between home and nursery.

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

A Final Reassurance

At Magnolia Tree Day Nursery we move at each child’s pace. Some children settle quickly, while others need more time—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.

While tears at drop-off are completely normal, they are often short-lived. Most children settle quickly once they become engaged in play and are supported by familiar, caring adults.

Starting nursery marks 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.