Even though nursery practitioners have started countless children on their nursery journey, trusting unfamiliar people with your child is daunting. On your child’s first day at nursery, you’ll likely be more nervous than they are.
The last thing you’ll need on the day is a frantic panic wondering if you’ve included everything they need and might want during their session. Worry not: help is here.
We share our ultimate starting nursery checklist for parents, covering everything from preparing for nursery to ‘nice to haves’ in their backpacks.
Since 2016, we have provided nursery managers with management software that makes their jobs easier and improves your experience as a parent. Blossom was created and developed by current nursery owners and managers.
All of which is to say, we understand just how important the first day of nursery is.
Jump ahead to:
How to prepare for nursery
All children who start nursery for the first time have a different journey. Some children take a little time to come out of their shells, while others enter the nursery like confident tornados.
Either way, there are a few steps you can take before the first day at nursery.
- Talk about nursery
- Visit the nursery
- Spend time apart
- Build communication skills
Talk about the nursery
Books and videos are available to read to your child about starting nursery. Although you may not know how much they take in from the story, it can be a useful strategy to try.
When they are ready to leave nursery, reading them a story about the transition to primary school can help them settle in quickly. But let’s get the first day out of the way first, right?
Visit the nursery beforehand
You’ll likely be offered stay-and-play sessions at the nursery. This is a great chance for you and your child to visit the nursery rooms together.
Each nursery operates its settling-in sessions differently. They are professionals at ensuring a smooth transition. Be mindful that processes can change over the years, so if your eldest went there, don’t assume the process is still the same.
Spend time apart
Your child may be away from you for large chunks of the day. Introducing time apart before they begin nursery sessions can help ease the transition into half or full days at the nursery.
Consider having a trusted family member look after them while you go to the shops or for a walk around the block. These short spells of time apart can help make the separation a positive one (for you both).
Build communication skills
One of the biggest fears for parents of nursery-aged children revolves around communication. You and your family are fluent in their babble. So, if your child is not yet speaking, there are understandable worries that unfamiliar people may not know what they are asking for.
Lots of parents (and nursery settings) teach their children basic sign language, known as Makaton. You can find a whole host of one-word signs that your child can use to ask for help, say they need the toilet, water, or a snack.
Have a gander at some of the communication and language activities your child’s keyworker will play with them.
Starting nursery checklist: The essentials
The practitioners know the process, but you know your child. It is important that all essential information is shared before the first day at nursery.
- Emergency contact details
- Medical information
- Parent-nursery communication app
- Naptime comforter
- Snacks
- Nappies, wipes and creams
Emergency contact details
For you and any immediate family members should they need to answer the child’s medication questions or to collect them if they become poorly.
Medical Information
If your child has allergies or intolerances, the nursery should know before the first day. Medication to be administered throughout the nursery day should be handed to the nursery team at drop-off. Avoid leaving any medication (even teething gel) in their backpack.
Your child will have an online Child Profile (if your nursery is a Blossom customer). This is a digital all-about-me profile to complete and amend when necessary.
We all know how quickly a toddler’s likes and dislikes can change, so sharing these nuggets of information alongside the important medical details helps practitioners get to know your child really well.
Parent-nursery communication apps
Your nursery may use a communication platform (like Blossom’s Parent App). Ensure anything is downloaded and logged in before they begin. Newsletters, event information, and even nursery bills will likely come through the same platform.
If you’re worried about setting up the parent communications app, most organised providers share a parent set-up guide for ease of use.
Naptime comforter
It is worthwhile checking your new nursery’s policy on comforters from home before the first day. Some allow a small comforter like a teddy or small blanket. Others know the potential risks of losing said precious item and prefer them to stay safe at home.
Top Tip: If you haven’t already, buy an identical version of your child’s comforter to protect against future loss or damage.
Nursery snacks
Another one that will be nursery-specific. Depending on the nursery package you are on and the length of time your child is in during the day can determine if you will need to pack some snacks.
Most nurseries have snacks under their ‘consumable’ charges with their nursery prices. If you are required to send in snacks during their time at nursery, be mindful of other children’s possible allergies and communicate with the team beforehand.
Nappies, wipes and creams
Nappies and associated clean-up products like wipes and creams sometimes fall under the ‘consumables’ umbrella in UK nurseries, but not always.
Some nursery settings require nappies, wipes, and creams to be provided, while others calculate these in their nursery price packages.
Top Tip: Nurseries may not ask for the size of your child’s nappies, as different brands can vary. If you’d feel more comfortable sharing the size nappies your child uses (and when they move up into larger sizes), you can add a comment to your child’s key worker via the Parent App.
Nursery bag checklist
When packing your child’s everyday nursery bag, there are some staple items that every parent should pack. Including the essentials listed above, you may include:
- The bag itself (not too big or too small, with a zip if possible to keep all items inside)
- Spare clothes for when they enjoy themselves with water play and need to change their outfit (including underwear if your child is out of nappies)
- A water bottle with their name on it (you’ll notice a theme with this!). Extra points if you’re able to send in a non-spillable bottle
- A comforter (if within the nursery policy, and named!)
- Indoor and outdoor shoes (wellies may be required for a welly walk or to be prepared for the Great British weather)
Don’t forget the seasonal extras
Nursery rooms have limited storage space, so some seasonal items might be requested. Most are weather-dependent. Your nursery will likely communicate if you need to send any of the following in with your child.
- Suncream and a sunhat
- Warm gloves and hats
- Slippers
- Short-term over-the-counter medications
Suncream and a sunhat may fall into your daily nursery bag checklist depending on the month they start nursery. Some settings provide suncream, but often, you will be required to send some in that have a high SPF and safety star rating.
Sun-related illnesses like heatstroke can be fatal in babies and children. But rest assured, your child’s nursery will follow sun-safety practices like sitting in the shade, wearing a hat and having plenty of suncream to prevent sunburn.
Flipping to the opposite end of the weather spectrum, sending in (named) warming items like gloves, hats, and warm socks can help keep your child toasty when they explore outside in colder temperatures.
Some nursery settings allow children to wear slippers during calm activities like story time or mindfulness practices. If your setting encourages you to send in a pair of slippers for additional comfort, you’ve guessed it: make sure they are named.
Top Tip: As the flooring is likely a material that can be wiped easily, it may be more slippery than your home flooring. If you’re sending in a pair of slippers for your child, ensure they have grips on the bottom for safety (slipper socks can be great for this).
If your child is teething and you use a particular teething gel or frozen chew toy to help them, you can ask your nursery if they allow these to be sent in. As with anything medicine-related, ensure you follow your nursery’s policy on how to share medical items during hand-over.
What to do on their first day at nursery?
When your child starts nursery for the first time, they may only stay for a few hours. If this is your first time, it can be confusing what to do when you hand them over. Each setting is different, but here are some top tips from our nursery-based team to get you through the day:
- Stay positive and try not to linger
- If your day allows, go for a hot drink nearby and try to relax
- Use the time to ensure you’re up to date with their communication platform and familiarise yourself with home observation features where you can share their achievements away from nursery
- Lean on your support network (family, friends or online support groups)
Finally, breathe. Your child is being well cared for by highly trained professionals whose roles revolve around love, nurture, and child development.
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