In this article
Introduction
Starting nursery is a big milestone — for your child and for you. Whether your little one is a confident explorer or a bit more cautious, the first days can bring mixed emotions: excitement, nerves, even a few tears.
The good news? With a bit of preparation, you can make the transition smoother, helping your child feel safe, happy, and ready to enjoy their new adventure.
Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you both get off to the best start.
1. Talk About Nursery in a Positive Way
Children pick up on your feelings. If you talk about nursery as an exciting new place to play and make friends, they’re more likely to feel positive about it too.
- Use phrases like “You’ll get to play with new toys” or “You’ll meet new friends.”
- Read storybooks about starting nursery — they can really help children imagine what it will be like.
Get Free Personalized Nursery Support
- Find Your Nursery Type
- Find Nearby Nurseries
- Find Funding Eligibility
Find Funding Eligibility
(Coming Soon)
2. Practise Short Separations
If your child hasn’t spent much time away from you, try practising short separations in the weeks before nursery starts.
- Leave them with a grandparent, friend, or childminder for an hour or two.
- Gradually build up to longer periods.
This helps your child learn that when you go away, you always come back.
3. Get Into a Routine Early
Nurseries often follow a consistent daily rhythm — snack time, play, outdoor time, lunch, nap. You can start mirroring parts of this at home:
- Keep mealtimes and nap times regular.
- Encourage putting on shoes or washing hands before meals.
- Practise simple independence skills like hanging up coats or tidying toys.
A familiar routine helps children feel more secure.
4. Visit the Nursery Together
Most nurseries offer settling-in sessions where you and your child can explore together before the big first day. Take advantage of these visits.
- Let your child meet staff and other children while you stay nearby.
- Encourage them to try out toys, books, and activities.
- Show them where things are — toilets, coat pegs, favourite play areas.
The more familiar the environment, the less daunting it feels.
5. Practise Key Independence Skills
Your child doesn’t need to be fully independent, but a few basic skills can make them feel more confident:
- Feeding themselves with a spoon or fork.
- Drinking from a cup.
- Washing and drying hands.
- Having a go at putting on coats or shoes.
It’s okay if they can’t do everything yet — staff are there to help — but practising builds confidence.
6. Create a Goodbye Routine
The hardest part of the first day is often saying goodbye. A simple, consistent routine makes this easier:
- Keep it short and sweet.
- Use the same phrase each time, like “Have a fun day, I’ll see you after lunch.”
- Resist the urge to sneak out — it can make children more anxious.
Even if there are tears, children usually settle within minutes once they’re distracted with play.
7. Pack Comfort Items
Most nurseries will let your child bring a comforter, teddy, or blanket. These items can make a huge difference when they’re feeling unsure.
- Label everything clearly.
- If your child uses a dummy, check the nursery’s policy.
- Pop in a spare set of clothes — little accidents happen.
8. Prepare Yourself Too
It’s not just children who need preparing — parents do too! It’s completely normal to feel emotional about leaving your child for the first time.
- Give yourself something to do after drop-off — a walk, a coffee, or heading straight to work.
- Remember, most children adapt quickly, even if the first few days are wobbly.
- Trust the staff — they’ve helped countless children through these first steps.
Quick Checklist: What to Do Before the First Day
- Talk positively about nursery.
- Practise short separations.
- Set a simple routine at home.
- Attend settling-in visits.
- Encourage independence skills.
- Create a short, consistent goodbye.
- Pack comfort items and spares.
Starting nursery is the beginning of an exciting journey. With a little preparation, you can give your child the confidence they need to settle happily and enjoy all the new experiences ahead. And remember — it’s a milestone for you too. Be proud of how far you’ve both come.
John Doe