We recognise that every child, parent, and nursery relationship is unique, and we use our experience to support each family in making the transition into nursery life as smooth and reassuring as possible.
We offer a full week of settling-in sessions designed to ease your child into nursery life gradually and positively. The week starts with a one-hour session and increases day by day, adding two or more hours depending on how your child is settling. The first 3 hours are free, after which we charge an hourly rate of £10 or the session rate.
This one-hour session includes a parent remaining on-site but not in the same room. During this time, the parent will meet with the room leader or key person to talk about their child’s interests, routines, and other important details already shared with us via the parent platform. This first session also helps your child begin to familiarise themselves with the environment, helping them feel safe and secure.
This session lasts for two hours. A member of the team will greet you on arrival, and the room will be set up with toys and activities tailored to your child’s interests. Your child will have the opportunity to engage in play and start interacting with other children, helping them feel part of the group.
This session will last three to four hours, typically from 10am to 2pm, allowing your child to experience snack time, lunch, and even a nap if needed. This helps them adjust to the daily nursery routine and meals.
After the initial three sessions, we assess how your child is settling in. We may increase the time gradually, up to a full 6-hour session by the end of the week. If your child needs more time to settle and you prefer, we are happy to continue settling-in sessions for another week.Depending on your child’s needs additional settling sessions can be arranged with the nursery manager, all additional settling in sessions are chargeable.
All sessions are booked for the week before your child’s official start date, keeping the experience fresh and consistent. You will receive daily face-to-face feedback from our staff to help you and us track your child’s progress and tailor their ongoing support and development.
At Early Years Uxbridge, we take a personalised approach when assigning a Key Person. We know from experience that a strong bond with a familiar adult helps children feel safe, confident, and ready to explore and learn.
Your child will be assigned a Key Person from their first day of settling in. However, during the settling period, if we notice that your child forms a stronger bond with another member of staff, we may change their Key Person. If this happens, we will inform you straight away and arrange a time for you to meet and speak with the new Key Person. Our aim is to ensure your child builds a secure and trusting relationship with someone they feel most comfortable with.
Your child’s Key Person will:
Carry out regular observations and assessments, and plan activities that support your child’s development, ensuring they are both nurtured and appropriately challenged.
Prepare a detailed development report every four months to keep you fully informed of your child’s progress.
Arrange and lead parent meetings to discuss your child’s development and any next steps.
Share relevant information with the wider staff team to ensure your child’s individual needs are consistently understood and supported.
