Settling In
Starting nursery is a big milestone for both children and their families. At Bilingual Day Nursery, we understand that every child is unique and will settle in their own way and at their own pace. Our aim is to make the transition into nursery life as positive, gentle and reassuring as possible, helping children feel safe, secure and confident from the very beginning.
Welcome to the Bilingual Family
When your child joins Bilingual Day Nursery, they become part of our Bilingual Family.
As a family-run nursery, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We take the time to get to know every child and family personally, creating a genuine home-from-home environment where children feel valued, understood and loved.
We believe nursery should be more than just childcare. It should be a community where children, parents and staff build meaningful relationships and support one another. Throughout the year, we organise a variety of family events, celebrations and social opportunities where parents and children can come together, make friends and become part of the wider nursery community.
Building Relationships Before Day One
We believe that successful settling starts before a child even attends their first session. That’s why every family is offered a home visit from a member of the management team and their child’s Key Person.
Meeting in the familiar surroundings of your home allows us to begin building a relationship with your child where they feel most comfortable. It helps us learn about their interests, routines, favourite activities, likes and dislikes, while giving your child the opportunity to meet the adults who will be caring for them at nursery.
During the visit, your child will receive a special settling-in gift from their Key Person and be introduced to our nursery uniform. We encourage children to bring their gift with them when they start nursery, helping to create a reassuring connection between home and nursery.
By beginning to form these important attachments before children arrive, we can make the transition into nursery life much smoother and more comfortable.
A Personalised Approach
There is no “one size fits all” approach to settling in. Some children are ready to explore straight away, while others need a little more time and reassurance. We work closely with families to create a settling-in experience that meets the needs of each individual child.
We actively encourage parents to be involved in the process and understand that it can sometimes feel just as emotional for parents as it does for children. Our team is always available to answer questions, provide reassurance and discuss any concerns you may have.
Your Child's Key Person
Your child’s Key Person plays a central role in helping them settle. They will spend time getting to know your child, building trust and developing a strong, secure attachment that helps them feel confident in their new environment.
As your child begins to feel safe and comfortable, they naturally gain the confidence to explore, make friends, try new experiences and engage in learning opportunities around them.
Because building strong relationships is so important to us, we continually review children’s attachments within nursery. If a child naturally forms a stronger connection with another practitioner, we will always consider their needs and adapt our approach accordingly.
Settling Sessions
Before their official start date, children attend settling sessions to help them become familiar with the nursery environment, routines and people. These sessions allow children to explore their new surroundings alongside trusted adults and gradually build confidence.
Our focus during settling sessions is not on participating in activities, but on helping children feel safe, secure and happy. We follow each child’s lead and support them in whichever way they need.
Working in Partnership
We believe parents are experts on their own children, and we value the information and insights families share with us. Open communication and honest relationships are key to successful settling.
Through conversations, home visits, handovers and updates via Family, we keep families informed and involved throughout the settling process. Together, we create consistency between home and nursery and ensure every child receives the support they need.
Taking the Time Children Need
Children are welcome to take the time they need to settle. We do not believe that settling should be rushed. Our priority is that children feel happy, secure and emotionally ready to separate from their parent or carer.
By taking the time to build strong attachments, develop trust and work closely with families, we create a nurturing foundation that helps children thrive throughout their nursery journey.
Our goal is simple: for every child and family to feel like they belong. From the moment you join us, you become part of the Bilingual Family, supported by a caring community that wants every child to feel safe, valued, confident and excited for the adventures ahead.
