1. Start with Short Visits

Gradual “settling-in” sessions are a standout method across UK nurseries. These allow your child to explore the setting while you stay close by-or just outside the room-before increasing the length of time spent there. This phased approach helps reduce anxiety and build familiarity with both the environment and their key person. This approach can be seen implemented in some of the largest nursery groups in the UK such as Grandir UK and busybeeschildcare.co.uk

2. Establish Consistent Routines

Consistency brings comfort. Mirroring nursery routines at home-mealtimes, naptimes, and play-helps your child make sense of the new structure. UK experts highlight that building routines at both home and nursery helps kids feel more grounded and secure. More detail on these techniques can be found at Partou and Twinkl

3. Pack a Comfort Item

Bringing a small, familiar object-a toy, blanket, or photo-provides emotional anchor points. It signals reassurance and connection, helping reduce separation anxiety, especially in children developing "object permanence."

4. Talk Positively and Validate Emotions

Introducing nursery with a calm, positive tone - and acknowledging your child’s feelings - helps keep the narrative gentle and honest. Validating emotions with phrases like, “It’s okay to feel sad - nursery is fun, and I’ll be back soon” builds trust and emotional resilience.

5. Communicate Openly with Staff

Fill in your nursery’s “All About Me” or welcome forms thoroughly - and don’t hesitate to have informal chats. Sharing details like sleep patterns, comfort preferences or mealtime habits helps nursery staff support your child in a personalised way.

6. Keep Goodbyes Quick and Confident

Lingering farewells can prolong anxiety. UK guidance strongly recommends calm, brief goodbyes: a reassuring hug or wave tends to ease separation more effectively than a drawn-out departure.

7. Create a Secure and Welcoming Nursery Environment

Early years practitioners emphasise warm, “home-from-home” nursery spaces-soft lighting, natural materials, and comforting textures. These environments help children feel emotionally grounded as they adjust.

8. Be Patient - Every Child Finds Their Rhythm

Children settle at their own pace - and it’s common for progress to come in small, non-linear steps. Building in extra time, staying flexible and acknowledging each small milestone helps the process feel smoother for both of you.

What our Nuuri Nursery Leaders Say

💬 “Settling-in is built on trust. When parents and practitioners show a united, positive front, children feel safe and secure more quickly. Every child’s journey is unique - some are ready within days, others need more time - and that’s okay. What matters is creating a consistent, nurturing approach that follows the child’s lead, offering gentle reassurance and celebrating every step forward with them.”
- Laura Filer, Owner of Little Adventures Nursery Group

💬 “We encourage parents to think of settling-in as a gentle journey rather than a single moment. By sharing information openly and building a bond with their child’s key worker, parents can help children feel safe, supported, and excited about nursery life.”
- Arran Black, Owner of Flying Colours Nursery

Final Thought

Settling into nursery is a journey, not a finish line. By combining gentle preparation at home, meaningful communication with nursery staff, and emotionally informed approaches, you'll help your child feel safe, confident, and ready to explore. Every tear, every small smile - you’re both doing brilliantly.

External References

https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/settling-in
https://www.grandiruk.com/blog/settling-in-sessions/
https://partou.co.uk/news-and-blogs/supporting-your-child-settling-into-nursery-a-guide-for-parents/
https://www.twinkl.com/blog/early-years-faqs-how-can-i-help-children-to-settle-into-nursery-pviblog
https://kindrednurseries.co.uk/blog/2023/12/how-settle-your-child-nursery
https://www.nct.org.uk/information/life-parent/support-change/settling-your-baby-childcare
https://www.twinkl.com/blog/early-years-faqs-how-can-i-help-children-to-settle-into-nursery-pviblog