When you drop them off, settle your child, say goodbye and tell them you will see them again soon. 

If your child is upset, try not to let it upset you.  Tears are usually short lived.  We do understand how you both feel. Children usually settle well into Nursery by the end of the Induction period. However, if you feel you child needs a little longer to adapt to the routine please speak to a member of staff.  

Talk to your child about Nursery, but do not worry if they do not tell you much. 

Be prompt when bringing and collecting your child. Young children can become distressed if they arrive late or are last to be collected. 

Encourage your child to play with other children and share their belongings. 

Ensure they can cope with using the toilet independently. 

Be positive when talking about starting Nursery. 

Encourage your child to be independent, e.g. put on their own coat and shoes. 

Talk with and listen to your child as you play and do daily activities together. Listen to you child talk and extend their language by asking questions and modelling talk.  

Read with your child at a regular time every day and talk with them about the stories you read. 

Take your child to the library and get them their own library card. Let them choose books to read at home.  

Keep books, reading and writing materials where your child can reach them.  

Talk about significant numbers, count everyday objects such as cutlery, pairs of socks etc.  

Give your child some responsibility at home, such as setting the table or putting their washing up away. 

Show your child how you read and write every day to have fun and to get things done. 

Help your child to practise social skills, especially getting them to take turns, following directions, making choices. Visit friends with children or invite other children to play.  

Encourage your child to develop resilience and patience so that they realise that not every wish of theirs can be granted straight away. This can be best achieved by encouraging children to play with friends.  

Help your child to recognise his/her name. They may be able to recognise the first letter of their name or the whole name. You could practise with magnetic letters on the fridge.  

Sing songs and nursery rhymes, including number rhymes. Make up your own rhymes using your child’s name. 

Encourage children to look after their toys and own belongings and to tidy up after playing.  

Children have access to the outside classroom in all weathers.  They will need to come to school wearing a named waterproof coat or jacket with a hood and they will need to leave a pair of named wellington boots at school in a named bag.