Starting Nursery for the First Time
The first day of nursery can feel heart-breaking for parents. Many families worry about how their child will settle into nursery and whether separation will be difficult. Will they cry? Will they feel abandoned? Will they understand that you’re coming back?
At The Nook Nursery in Leyton, we support every child through a gentle nursery settling-in process designed to build confidence and emotional security. We know that settling in isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Some children bounce in ready to play. Others need time, gentle reassurance, and a predictable routine.
We honour both — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Nursery Settling-In Process
A Gradual Approach to Settling Into Nursery
We never rush this process. Your child will have shorter “stay and play” sessions with you present, gradually building up to longer periods. We follow your child’s pace, not a rigid schedule.
Your Child’s Key Worker: A Familiar Face at Nursery
From day one, your child will have the same key worker. This consistent, caring adult becomes their secure base, helping them feel safe and confident in the nursery environment. Familiarity breeds confidence. You can read more about how we keep children safe at nursery.
A Calm, Home-From-Home Nursery Environment
Our nursery doesn’t feel institutional. With cosy corners, soft textures, and natural light, it feels more like a welcoming home. Children settle faster when the environment feels gentle and familiar and when they are free to explore through play-based learning. You can read more about why we created The Nook Nursery.
Keeping Parents Updated During the Nursery Day
Worried during those first few weeks? We’ll send you photos and updates so you can see your little one happily engaged, playing, or cuddling up with a book, while also working closely with parents to support things like allergies and dietary needs.
Understanding Tears and Nursery Separation Anxiety
Some tears at drop-off are completely normal, even after weeks of settling. Separation anxiety when starting nursery is completely normal for young children. We’ll never dismiss your concerns, we’ll talk you through what we’re seeing, what’s working, and how your child is truly doing once you’ve gone. (Spoiler: they usually settle within minutes.). We also keep parents informed about our procedures if children feel unwell during the day through our nursery sickness policy.
Why Our Nursery Settling-In Process Works
Children thrive on predictability, warm relationships, and emotional safety. Our unhurried, relationship-first approach means your child doesn’t just “get used to” nursery, they genuinely feel at home here.
Visit The Nook Nursery in Leyton
Come and meet the team who’ll care for your child. Ask about our settling process, see our calm spaces, and imagine your little one here, safe, happy, and thriving.
You can also explore our fees and funded childcare options to understand how places work at The Nook.
Book a tour here
Call Us: 020 8637 5247
Location: 842–844 High Road, Leyton, E10 6AE