3 February 2025

As Scallywags Quality assurance manager, I’ve had the privilege of observing countless moments of growth, resilience, and joy in children during their early years. Yet, I’ve also seen how challenging the transition into nursery life can be—not just for the child but for their families too. At Scallywags Nursery, we deeply understand these challenges, which is why our focus remains steadfastly on creating an environment that nurtures each child’s emotional well-being while supporting parents through what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming journey.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

When a child first joins nursery, the new environment can feel overwhelming, it’s about adjusting to a whole new world of faces, sounds, routines, and experiences. For some children, separation anxiety is a major hurdle. They may find it difficult to part from their parents and adjust to a new routine without their familiar faces around, which can cause a change in their normal eating routines and habits.

At Scallywags, we acknowledge that this adjustment can take time, and we understand that every child is unique. While some children settle easily, others may need additional support. That’s where our nurturing approach comes in. Whether it’s the noise, the size of the space, or the unfamiliar faces, we work with each child at their pace, giving them the emotional and psychological tools they need to feel secure and happy at nursery.

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱

One of the keyways we support children through the settling process is by tailoring our approach to their specific needs. We have a strong key worker system in place where a dedicated staff member becomes the main point of contact for the child and their family. This ensures that both the child and parents have a consistent and supportive relationship with someone who knows the child well, can identify any areas of concern, and can celebrate their progress.

We follow the attachment theory, understanding the critical role of secure, trusting relationships in a child’s emotional development. This is why our key worker system is so important—by forming a strong connection with the child, we can help them feel safer and more comfortable in a new environment.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The transition to nursery is not just a big step for the child—it’s also a time of adjustment for families. Last month, we highlighted the importance of working in partnership with parents in our Policy of the Month and blog. We know how hard it can be to leave your child in the hands of others, especially during those first days and weeks when you’re unsure how they’re adjusting. That’s why we maintain open lines of communication with parents, offering regular updates and opportunities for discussion.

Through home visits, settling-in sessions, and an online communication system that provides live updates, we make sure families never feel disconnected from their child’s experience. Whether it’s a quick message or a more detailed update, parents can rest assured that they are always in the loop. This ensures we are all working together to help the child feel at home and supported.

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲

A major part of settling into nursery is feeling physically and emotionally comfortable. We strive to create a warm, welcoming environment that feels as familiar as possible for children. This includes calming areas where children can retreat if they need a quiet moment, a variety of sensory experiences to keep them engaged, and familiar routines that provide structure and security. It’s important for children to feel safe, and for that to happen, we must constantly review and adjust our approach.

We understand that some children may struggle more with separation anxiety, while others may need additional time to get used to the space and the routine. For those who find it difficult to settle in initially, we offer flexible settling-in sessions. These allow children to get accustomed to their new environment gradually, with the reassurance that they can go at their own pace. For some, we may recommend reducing their scheduled days initially, with a focus on slowly building their attendance as they gain confidence.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱: 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱

At Scallywags, our commitment is to ensure that every child thrives. While some children may take a little longer to adjust, we’re here to provide the continuous support they need. We believe in taking a holistic approach, addressing the emotional, physical, and social aspects of settling in. As part of our ongoing efforts to support children, we are always ready to review and adjust our practices to ensure we’re meeting their needs in the best possible way.

Remember, if you missed our 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 on 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨, check it out for more information on how we support families as they navigate the settling process together. We know it’s not always easy, but with a collaborative effort between nursery and home, we can ensure that children feel secure, loved, and ready to thrive.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘄𝗮𝗴𝘀 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆

Through our comprehensive approach to supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, we can work together to make the nursery experience as positive as possible. Whether it’s through our key worker system, attachment theory-based practices, or continuous family communication, we remain dedicated to helping each child feel settled and supported. In the unlikely event that a child does not settle, it is the setting’s right to revoke the space in the best interest of the child’s wellbeing, ensuring that all efforts have been made to support their emotional and physical needs.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure the best start for each child. We are here to support you every step of the way!

Supporting Children who struggle to settle blog written by Demi