Helping Little Ones Take Big Steps: Tips for Transitioning to Nursery or School
Starting nursery or school is a big milestone—not just for children, but for parents and carers too. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and independence. At Foundation Years Trust, we know how important home learning and strong family support are during this time of change. Whether your child is starting nursery for the first time or heading into their first day of school, we’re here to help make the transition smoother for everyone.
1. Talk About What to Expect
Children thrive when they feel safe and prepared. Begin chatting with your child about what nursery or school will be like:
Use storybooks and play to explore common routines (e.g., coat pegs, snack time, story-time).
Talk about new friends, teachers, and fun activities they might do.
Keep it positive and reassuring, while being honest about changes in their routine.
2. Visit and Explore Together
If possible, attend settling-in sessions or open days before the term starts. Walking around the setting, meeting staff, and seeing the toys and books can make the unknown feel more familiar. Some nurseries and schools also offer “stay and play” sessions—these are perfect opportunities to ease anxiety.
3. Establish a Consistent Routine at Home
Creating a predictable daily routine helps children feel secure. In the weeks leading up to their start date, try to:
Adjust bedtimes and wake-up times to match the nursery/school day.
Practice morning routines—getting dressed, having breakfast, brushing teeth.
Read or do short learning activities at the same time each day to mimic learning sessions.
4. Encourage Independence Through Play
Simple, playful activities at home can build skills children will need:
Practice putting on shoes, zipping up coats, or using the toilet independently.
Try turn-taking games or tidy-up time to build cooperative play skills.
Encourage self-expression through drawing or storytelling—great for confidence and communication.
5. Acknowledge Big Feelings
Starting something new can stir up lots of emotions—excitement, worry, even tears (for children and grown-ups alike!). Let your child know it’s okay to feel nervous. Listen to their concerns and offer comfort. Try not to rush the goodbye on the first few days—keep it short, sweet, and reassuring: “You’re going to have so much fun, and I’ll be back soon.”
6. Stay Connected With Home Learning
Once they’ve started, you can keep supporting their learning at home in small ways:
Ask about their day using open-ended questions like “What made you smile today?”
Read together each evening—it’s a calm way to reconnect and support literacy.
Use play to explore what they’ve learned—pretend classrooms are always a hit!
