Making the Move: Addressing Common Nursery & School Transition Worries

Is your little one starting nursery or reception soon?

Congratulations! It's an exciting time filled with new experiences and learning adventures. But let's be honest, it can also feel a bit nerve-wracking, right? You're not alone. Many parents worry about how their child will adjust to a new environment, make friends, and handle the routines of nursery or primary school (also known as nursery to reception transition).

At Stages4Ages, we understand your concerns. We've seen countless parents feeling the same mix of excitement and apprehension, because we run nursery settings and have done for many years. That's why we want to assure you that we're here to support you and your child every step of the way, and so is your chosen nursery or school.

So let's talk about some of the common worries parents face:

• Will my child be happy and make friends? (transition from nursery to reception activities) This is a big one! Starting somewhere new can feel daunting, especially for little ones. But staff at your nursery are experienced and are experts at creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where children can thrive and build friendships. Here's a tip for Busy Parents: Squeeze in short story time before bed about starting school. Look for books with diverse characters so your child can see themselves reflected in the stories.

• Is my child ready for the routines and structure? (transition from nursery to primary school) Nursery and reception introduce new routines and expectations. We understand you might worry if your child will adjust well. Don't worry. Our focus is on gentle guidance and play-based learning, making routines fun and helping your child feel comfortable and secure. Here's a tip for First-Time Parents: Talk to your child's nursery about their daily schedule. Try to mirror some of those routines at home, like setting a consistent bedtime, to ease the transition.

• What if my child struggles to say goodbye? (transition from nursery to reception) Saying goodbye can be tough for both of you. We completely get it! Staff are trained to help with goodbyes and create a smooth transition for your little one. Here's a tip for Parents with Separation Anxiety: Practice short separations at home. Leave your child with a trusted caregiver for a short while, gradually increasing the time. This helps them build confidence in being apart from you for a short time.

Working Together for a Smooth Transition 

Remember, you're not in this alone! Here's how your school or nursery can support you:

• Open communication: We encourage open communication with parents. Feel free to ask questions, share any concerns, and discuss your child's individual needs. Don't hesitate to reach out to the nursery or school before your child starts. Ask about their routines, how they handle drop-offs and pick-ups, and anything else that might be on your mind.

• Familiarisation / settling in sessions and visits: Many nurseries offer familiarisation visits, where your child can explore the space and meet the staff before their first day. This can help ease those first-day jitters! If familiarisation visits aren't offered, ask if you can schedule a quick visit beforehand to walk around the space with your child.

• Ongoing support: Our team is always here to offer ongoing support and updates on your child's progress. The nursery or school should also provide regular updates on your child's activities and development.

Making the Most of the Journey 

Starting nursery or reception is a big step, but it's also a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and make new friends. By working together and taking advantage of the resources available, we can make this transition a smooth and positive experience for everyone.

In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing more tips and advice on helping your child prepare for nursery or reception, including fun and engaging activities to ease the transition. So come and join us on Instagram and Facebook.

P.S. For parents looking for extra support, we'll also be sharing a list of helpful resources and downloadable activities in the coming weeks!