Starting nursery: how we do Settling In at Fun Box Day Nursery 🌈

Last week, our new children began their settling in sessions. Starting nursery is such an exciting milestone in family life, but it’s natural for both parents and little ones to feel a bit anxious about this big step.

Our fantastic educators at Fun Box are here to make this transition as smooth and positive as possible. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions parents have about settling in, with tips and insights from our experienced early years educators. ✨

What is a settling in session at nursery?

A settling in session is an opportunity for parents and children to visit the nursery together before their official start.

These sessions allow little ones to:

·        Explore the new environment

·        Meet the staff

·        Experience a taste of the daily routine — with the comfort of their parents nearby

It’s also a great chance for parents to share insights about their child’s needs and preferences, as well as ask questions or raise any concerns with the team.

How long does it take for babies to settle in nursery?

Every child is unique, so settling-in times vary.

·        Some babies adapt quickly within a few days

·        Others may take a few weeks to feel fully comfortable

It’s completely normal for children to need time to adjust to a new environment and routine. Our team works closely with families to understand each child’s needs and provide reassurance and care so they can settle at their own pace.

Do nurseries charge for settling-in sessions?

This depends on the nursery:

·        Some offer complimentary sessions as part of onboarding

·        Others include them as part of their fees

At Fun Box, we believe settling-in sessions are essential and we provide them free of charge to ensure every child starts their journey with confidence.

What are settling techniques?

Settling techniques are strategies to help children feel secure in a new environment. Some of the most effective include:

·        Gradual introduction: Starting with short visits and increasing the duration over time

·        Familiar items: Bringing a favourite toy or blanket from home; for breastfeeding babies, an item of clothing with mum’s scent often works best

·        Consistent routines: Predictable drop-off and pick-up times create a sense of security

·        Positive reinforcement: Celebrating your child’s small milestones as they adjust

·        Collaborative support: Working closely with nursery staff to ensure consistency between home and nursery

What is the best age to go to nursery?

There is no single “best” age. Every family’s circumstances are different, and decisions often depend on:

·        Work commitments

·        Availability of wider family support

·        The child’s own readiness

From September 2025, working families will receive additional government funding support. If you’d like to know whether you’re eligible, you can check here: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

Settling in at Fun Box Day Nursery

At Fun Box, we offer a minimum of three settling-in sessions, usually scheduled 1–2 weeks before your child’s start date. Each session lasts around an hour.

First session

·        Parents stay for the full hour

·        You’ll meet your assigned key practitioner, who will begin building a bond with your child

·        Our educators will ask about your child’s likes/dislikes, routines, favourite toys/programmes, and the techniques you use at home when they’re upset or tired

·        We’ll encourage you to choose a spot in the room and stay there, while your child explores the nursery with gentle guidance from their key person

Second session

·        If your child was comfortable and engaged in the first session, we’ll ask you to remain only for a few minutes

·        You can then either stay close in the building or step out briefly (perhaps to the nearby shops)

·        If your child becomes upset, we’ll ask you to return so they learn that you always come back

Third session

·        If the second session went smoothly, we’ll try a short drop-off at reception

·        You’ll leave your child for about an hour — perfect for a quick trip to ASDA or a coffee at Arrosto or Costa

·        We’ll only ask that you keep your phone on loud so we can reach you if needed

Remember: every child is different. Some need less time, some more — and we’re happy to adapt to each child’s needs.

Final Thoughts on Starting Nursery

Starting nursery is a big step, but it’s also the beginning of a wonderful journey filled with learning, friendships, and growth.

Our priority at Fun Box is to create a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe and happy. By working closely with families, we make sure this transition is a positive experience for both children and parents.