Starting nursery
Starting nursery in Woodley, one step at a time
Leaving your child somewhere new for the first time is genuinely hard. Settling is a process we plan with you, not a single morning you are expected to get through.
Before the first day
We learn your child before they arrive
Before a start date we sit down with you and record the practical things: sleep, food, allergies, comfort items, the words your child uses for important things, and what helps when they are upset.
Your child's key person is named at this point, so the adult who greets them on the first morning is someone who already knows their name and something about them.
- A pre-start conversation about routines and needs
- A named key person matched before the first session
- A staged settling plan agreed with you
- Comfort items welcome for as long as they help
The first weeks
Short sessions that grow at your child's pace
Settling usually begins with a short visit while you stay, then a short session without you, then gradually longer. Some children are settled in days; others take several weeks, and neither is a problem.
We do not pretend a tearful goodbye did not happen. You get an honest message shortly after drop-off telling you how your child actually is, which is usually within a few minutes of you leaving.
Joining a new setting
What it means to be part of the first intake
Woodley is a brand new nursery, and the first families through the door have more influence than they would at an established setting. Routines, menus, and the rhythm of the day are shaped around the children who are actually there.
It also means we are open about what is still being finalised. If you ask us something we have not confirmed yet, we will tell you that rather than guess.
Questions families ask
Useful answers before you visit
Every child and attendance plan is different. Bring the details that matter to you, and we will give you a clear answer.
Ask the nursery teamHow long does settling usually take?
Anywhere from a few days to several weeks. We plan a staged approach with you and adjust as we go rather than holding to a fixed schedule.
Can I stay for the first sessions?
Yes. Early settling sessions normally include time with you present, and we reduce that gradually as your child's confidence grows.
Will you tell me if my child is upset?
Always, and quickly. You get a message shortly after drop-off with an honest update, not a reassuring one.
Can we visit the Woodley nursery before it opens?
Visits will be arranged as the setting is completed. Register your interest and we will contact you as soon as we can show families round.
En avant
Be first through the door in Woodley
Register your interest and we will contact you with opening dates, fees, and the first chance to look round.