Preparing for Nursery
Preparing for Nursery
Settling Sessions
Before your child starts nursery, we arrange a series of settling sessions to help them (and you) feel confident and comfortable. The first session is attended together, giving you time to meet the team, share routines and ask any questions. Your child will then enjoy a few short independent visits, building familiarity and trust before their official start date. Once they begin, you’ll receive a daily care diary with photos and updates, and you’re always welcome to call us throughout the day.
What to Wear & Bring
Children can wear any comfortable clothes suitable for messy, active play. Each child receives a free nursery t-shirt on joining, with the option to purchase more. Please provide a nursery bag with spare clothes, and if your child wears nappies, a full pack is recommended for those attending three or more days. We ask that children wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate outdoor clothing—all clearly labelled.
What the Nursery Day Looks Like
Breakfast & Welcome
Your child is greeted warmly and offered breakfast, with cereal, toast, milk or water available. They can explore the nursery environment and settle into play as they arrive.
Circle Time & Focus Activities
Once everyone is in, circle time helps children feel connected and ready for the day. Staff introduce the day’s focus activities—purposeful, engaging experiences based on children’s interests and developmental next steps. A rolling snack table is available for children to access with support.
Free-Flow Learning (age dependent)
Children enjoy free-flow play between indoor and outdoor areas, choosing from a wide range of resources while being supported through high-quality interactions.
Lunch & Rest Time
At lunch, staff sit with the children, supporting babies as needed and encouraging older children to begin self-serving. Some children then sleep, while others continue with calm play or activities.
Afternoon Session
The afternoon mirrors the morning with more circle times, stories, singing, focus activities and free-choice play indoors and outdoors.
Tea & Late Snack
Children enjoy a light tea, followed by an optional small snack around 5pm for those still in nursery. Milk and water are available throughout the day.
Children receive a warm welcome from staff in this nurturing setting. They happily separate from their parents. Children eagerly enter the rooms to see which learning opportunities they want to get involved in. They develop strong friendships with their peers.”
Ofsted, Dec 2024 (Hall Green)
Staff provide children with a safe and stimulating environment. They organise an extensive range of high-quality natural resources that ignite children's curiosity and investigative skills.
Ofsted, May 2025 (Shirley)
Curriculum
We follow the national curriculum for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Activities and experiences are planned so our children learn through play.
Daily Communication & Reassurance
Our secure parent app provides a detailed daily diary including photographs, meals, sleeps, activities and highlights, giving you a full picture of your child’s day and peace of mind that they are settled and happy.
Personalised Handover
At collection time, you’ll receive warm, individual feedback from the practitioner who spent the day with your child. We focus on the little details that matter — achievements, interests, friendships, moments of joy and how they have engaged in their learning.
Family Story Time
Parents, grandparents and extended family are warmly welcomed to come in and read a favourite story, share a circle time or talk about their job or culture. Children love these special visits.
Parent Partnerships & Support for Families
Sharing Library
Each nursery has a well-stocked sharing library. Families can borrow books to enjoy at home, encouraging a love of reading, language and storytelling from an early age.
Termly Parents’ Evening
You’ll meet with your child’s key person every term to discuss their progress, next steps and development report. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, celebrate achievements and plan together.
Parent Workshops & Stay-and-Play Sessions
Throughout the year, we invite families into the nursery to join activities, explore the environment and see the curriculum in action. These sessions are always popular and help strengthen the home–nursery connection.
Individualised Support
SEN Support Meetings
For children who may benefit from additional support, our SENCO works closely with families to review support plans, discuss progress, arrange referrals and provide guidance. Meetings are regular, open and tailored to your child’s needs.
Support for EAL Families
For children with English as an additional language, we work closely with families to support communication and confidence. We gather key words used at home, incorporate children’s cultures into the environment and ensure every child feels fully included.