Starting nursery is a special milestone - for both you and your daughter. We understand that it can bring a range of emotions, and we’re here to make sure you feel supported and confident every step of the way.
Stay and Play Sessions
Before your daughter’s first day, we’ll invite you to join us for some Stay and Play sessions. These take place in your daughter’s new room, giving you the chance to meet our nurturing team, explore the toys and learning areas, and gently ease into our daily routines.
During this time, we’ll also chat about home life and any important care details, such as dietary needs - so we can tailor our care to suit your daughter perfectly.
Tapestry
We use an online platform called Tapestry to capture all the fun, learning, and little moments that make each day in Nursery and Pre-School so special. Each week, you’ll receive a cheerful update filled with highlights from our activities, along with gentle reminders about upcoming events and any important messages.
We’ll set up your account and send you an invitation via email. Once you're connected, we’ll ask you to complete your daughter’s ‘About Me’ section - usually during the final Stay and Play session, when you might feel ready to leave her for a short while and enjoy a well-earned coffee. This section helps us get to know your daughter even better, covering key details like her health, routines and development.
Tapestry is easy to use and can be accessed via a webpage or downloaded as an app, so you can stay connected wherever you are.
Your daughter’s first day
When your daughter’s first day arrives, we hope you’ll feel reassured and confident after your Stay and Play sessions. We understand that first days can feel a little emotional (for both children and their families) so we’ll always give you a friendly courtesy call to let you know how she’s settling in.
To help make the day smooth and comforting, we’ve prepared a list of useful items to bring along:
What to bring
- A small rucksack – available from our Pre-loved uniform shop
- A named water bottle
- A comforter (if needed)
- PE kit
- Wellies
- A suitable coat
- Nappies, wipes, creams (if applicable)
- Spare clothes (underwear, socks, uniform)
- Seasonal items – hats, gloves, scarf or sun cream
Your daughter will have her very own peg in the cloakroom and a special drawer in her room to keep all her belongings safe and easy to find.
How to deal with first day feelings
Starting nursery is a big step, and it’s perfectly natural for both children and grown-ups to feel a mix of emotions - whether it’s excitement, nervousness or something in between. Here are a few gentle tips to help ease the transition:
- Talk positively about nursery and all the fun your daughter will have
- Visit beforehand to help her feel familiar and comfortable in the space
- Create a goodbye routine and gently reassure her that you’ll be back soon
- Expect a few tears or wobbles, and offer calm comfort and reassurance
- Show confidence and positivity - your daughter will look to you for cues, and your calm, happy energy will help her feel safe and secure
Children are incredibly intuitive, and when they sense that their parent or carer feels unsure, those feelings can easily transfer. By sending positive signals and preparing together, you’ll help your daughter feel confident and ready for her new adventure.