To ensure that your child has the best possible start we always recommend that your child attends settling in sessions before starting at the nursery.  This involves you bringing you child, generally a week or two before their start date, so they can spend time with the other children and staff.  Generally the number of settling in sessions is three, however we are very flexible with this and we understand that every child is different and has different needs.

A typical example of settling in sessions would be:

Session one~  You stay with your child and spend time with  them playing with the other children.  You will also be introduced to your child’s key worker who will be your main point of contact and will communicate with you regarding your child’s day at the nursery and their general progression.

Session two~  You bring your child in and stay with them for a short while and then leave them for a short while (the length of time depends on your child and how comfortable you feel leaving them).

Session three~ You bring your child in and leave them straight away (if you feel comfortable with this, if not you are always welcome to stay with them until they are happy playing or socialising with the other children).  We usually recommend that parents leave their child for longer on the third session as this is a gradual process and leaving your child for a bit longer each time will help them to become more familiar with the nursery surroundings, staff and children and to know that you are coming back!

All settling in sessions are free of charge and we do not have a limit, so if your child is particularly unsettled then we can carry on with the settling in sessions for a couple more weeks to ensure your child has been fully introduced to the nursery and you feel comfortable leaving them. 

Settling in sessions are a good time to talk to your child’s key worker about your child’s routine and to discuss any individual needs your child may have.

We do not require notice within your child’s first four weeks at the nursery, so if you decide Flower Pots isn’t the right place for your child then this is hassle free and you don’t lose any money.