Starting Nursery - The Early Years Academy

Starting Nursery: A Gentle Guide For Parents

Starting Nursery Is A Milestone For The Whole Family

Beginning nursery is a big milestone, not just for your child, but for you too. Whether this is your first experience with early years care or you’ve done it before, each child’s journey is beautifully unique. At The Early Years Academy, we’re here to walk alongside you with care, empathy and understanding, from that very first visit to the confident goodbye at the door. Here’s our guide to help make the transition into nursery life as smooth and positive as possible.

It’s Okay to Feel Emotional

It’s completely natural to feel nervous or emotional when your little one starts nursery. You’re handing over something incredibly precious and we don’t take that lightly. Many of our team are parents themselves, so we truly understand how it feels. What helps? Building a relationship with the nursery team, asking questions (as many as you like), and knowing that you’re welcome to stay close in the early days. At The Early Years Academy, we offer unlimited settling-in sessions. There’s no rush. Your child, and you can take the time you need.

Prepare Your Child in Small, Simple Ways

Children thrive on familiarity and routine. You can help prepare them by:

Talking positively about nursery - focus on fun activities, new friends, and kind grown-ups.
Reading books together about starting nursery - a gentle way to open conversation.
Practising short separations with family or friends - to build their confidence.
Letting them bring a comfort item - like a favourite teddy or blanket, especially in the early days.

We also encourage visits before their start date, so your child can explore their new space with you by their side.

Expect a Period of Adjustment

Some children skip in on day one without a second glance. Others might cry for a week or two before settling. Both are completely normal. At EYA, our approach is individual. Your child will be assigned a key person, someone who gets to know them deeply and builds a secure, trusting relationship. We never expect children to ‘slot in’ to a routine, we meet them where they are and work from there. You’ll also get regular updates through our parent app, photos of their day, and honest feedback at pick-up time.

Trust Builds Over Time, and It’s Mutual

Trust isn’t built overnight. But you’ll start to see it in the little things: the way your child reaches for their key person in the morning, the stories they tell you at home, the way their confidence grows. And we trust you too. You know your child best. We’ll always work in partnership with you, whether it’s adjusting sleep times, supporting their routine, or giving them extra cuddles when they need them.

Don’t Worry About Being ‘Ready’

We hear this a lot: “They’re not potty trained yet.” “They’re still very shy.” “They’re a fussy eater.” Please don’t worry. We don’t expect children to arrive ‘ready-made’. Part of our job is to help them develop those very skills, at their own pace, with gentle encouragement and no pressure. At The Early Years Academy, we celebrate the journey of ‘becoming’. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about growing, exploring, and learning together.

A Final Word from Us

Starting nursery marks the beginning of something truly special. It’s not just childcare, it’s the beginning of independence, friendships, discoveries, and wonder. And while the first few days may be filled with a mix of feelings, they soon give way to joy, routine and trust. Our promise is simple: we’ll care for your child as if they were our own.

If you’re preparing for a nursery start in Derby, Shrewsbury, Ibstock or Loughborough, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.

You can explore the rooms, meet the team, and take your time asking anything at all. Because every family deserves a gentle start, and every child deserves a place where they belong. Book a visit to one of our nurseries today and see how we create a home-away-from-home for your child.