Starting Nursery can be a very daunting time for many children and parents, but it can also be a very exciting time in their lives! Often children will not have spent very much time away from home and it can be difficult for them to say goodbye to their parents/carers initially.

The period before a child starts nursery can be an anxious time for parents. Our aim is to make your child feel safe and secure in our setting right from the very first meeting.

In Nursery, we encourage children to develop their independence as much as possible; putting on their coat, using the toilet and washing hands. At home they may have an adult to help them at all times. However, at Nursery each adult is looking after many children so it is very helpful if you can start to encourage your child to become more independent with tasks as they start Nursery.

There are lots of ways to help your child get ready for nursery. Here are some key skills you can practise together at home.

Other things you can do:

•  write your name into all your clothes, including your coat.

• Practise talking about things you like and enjoy doing. What are your favourite toys to play with? What do you like doing with your family at home?

• Talk about how you are feeling. Can you tell a grown-up when you feel happy or sad?

• Read stories together and sing songs and nursery rhymes. What is your favourite story? Can you sing your favourite nursery rhyme?

• Talk about coming to nursery. Do you know anyone else who will be at your nursery? What are you looking forward to?