Starting Nursery: A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Your Child for Their First Day

Starting nursery is an exciting milestone for little ones and parents. For many families, it is the first time their child will spend regular time away from home, making it an important step towards developing independence, confidence and new experiences.

Every child’s nursery journey is different. Some children settle quickly, while others need a little more time to feel comfortable with a new environment and routine. There are lots of simple ways parents can help their child feel prepared and confident before their first day.

Visit the Nursery Before Starting

One of the best ways to help your child prepare for nursery is to visit the setting before they start.

A show-around allows families to explore the environment, meet the nursery team and understand what their child’s day will look like. For children, becoming familiar with the rooms, resources and people around them can help the nursery feel like a more comfortable and welcoming place.

Many nurseries also offer settling-in sessions, giving children the opportunity to gradually build confidence before their full nursery routine begins.

At Mindful Nurseries we offer up to 10 free settling in sessions as standard, giving your little one the time they need to settle into their new nursery comfortably.

Talk Positively About Nursery

Children often pick up on the emotions of those around them, so talking positively about nursery can help them feel excited and reassured.

You could talk about:

• The new activities they might try

• The friends they may meet

• The toys, books and resources they can explore

• The practitioners who will be there to support them

Reading books about starting nursery can also help children understand what to expect and introduce them to the idea of a new routine.

Create Familiar Routines at Home

Having a consistent routine can help children feel secure when they begin nursery.

Before their first day, you might like to practise:

• Getting ready in the morning

• Having breakfast at a similar time each day

• Following a bedtime routine

• Spending short periods of time away from parents or carers

Small changes can help children become familiar with the routines they will experience at nursery.

Encourage Independence Through Everyday Activities

Nursery supports children in developing important life skills, and simple activities at home can help build their confidence.

Encourage your child to have a go at things such as:

• Putting on their coat or shoes

• Helping to tidy away toys

• Choosing between two options (e.g. when they're getting dressed you could ask them to choose between two t-shirts)

• Trying new foods

• Washing and drying their hands

These everyday experiences help children develop independence and feel more confident when trying new things.

Share Information About Your Child

Your child’s nursery team will want to get to know them as an individual. Sharing information before they start helps practitioners understand their routines, interests and needs.

You may want to share:

• Favourite toys, books or activities

• Sleep routines

• Foods they enjoy

• Comfort items

• Things that help them feel settled

The more your nursery team knows about your child, the better they can support them from their very first day.

Allow Time to Settle

It is completely normal for children to need time to adjust to nursery. Starting somewhere new is a big change, and each child will respond differently.

Some children may happily walk in on their first day, while others may need extra reassurance at drop-off. Building a strong relationship between you and nursery practitioners helps children feel safe and supported as they settle.

Choosing the Right Nursery Environment

The right nursery should provide a safe, welcoming environment where children can learn, explore and develop at their own pace. You can click here to read our guide to finding the right nursery.

If you'd like to explore Mindful Nurseries, click here to book a show-around today!