Settling In at Allstars
A gentle start to nursery life, supporting emotional well-being and building strong relationships.
Why do we have settling-in sessions at nursery?
Starting nursery is a big milestone — for both children and parents. Settling-in sessions are a gentle way to help your child feel safe, secure and happy in their new environment, in line with the EYFS - Early Years Foundation Stage.
The EYFS places a strong emphasis on children feeling emotionally secure and building strong, trusting relationships with their key person. Children learn best when they feel safe — and settling-in sessions help make that happen.
What are settling-in sessions?
Settling-in sessions are short visits that gradually introduce your child to the nursery. At first, you may stay with your child, then over time they begin to spend short periods independently, building up at their own pace. This way practitioners can get to know your family, your child and you can get to know them. It’s a great way to ask any questions and gain some understanding of each of our settings.
Why are they so important?
Settling-in sessions help to:
- Build trust and security – Your child gets to know their key person and learn that nursery is a safe place.
- Support emotional wellbeing – Children feel calmer and more confident when changes happen slowly.
- Respect each child as an individual – The EYFS recognises that every child settles differently, so we tailor sessions to your child’s needs.
- Create strong partnerships with parents – These sessions give us time to learn from you about your child’s routines, interests and comforts.
- Support smooth transitions – A positive start helps children feel confident and ready to learn.
How this supports learning
When children feel secure, they are more likely to:
- Explore and play confidently
- Form positive relationships with staff and other children
- Engage in learning and new experiences
The EYFS is clear that emotional security and positive relationships come before learning outcomes — settling-in sessions lay this important foundation.
It’s completely normal for children (and parents!) to find separation emotional. Our experienced team will support you every step of the way, keep you informed, and adjust the settling-in process if needed. There is no “one size fits all” — we work at a pace that feels right for your family.
A calm, supported start helps children thrive — and settling-in sessions give them the best possible beginning to nursery life.
How we implement them
We usually do 4 settling in sessions:
Home Visit
We arrange a Home Visit – this is mutual territory for your child and they can meet new faces in the comfort of their own home – then when it comes to seeing us in Nursery – it’s not a shock.
1 Hour Visit
1 Hour with yourselves and your child in Nursery.
2 Hour Visit
2 Hours – 1 Hour with yourselves and your child – 1 Hour with just your child – scary I know – Go out, grab a cuppa, have a moment to yourself or wait close by if you wish – its totally up to you.
Final Session
30 Minutes to 1 Hour with yourselves and your child – just see how you both feel. 2 Hours with just your child – Wow a whole 2 Hours to yourself – whatever you choose to do – enjoy it.
We plan these around your child’s routine and try to plan around different times during the Nursery Day. They are usually done the Week before your child is due to start and can be extended to more days if needed.