Your Child's First Week at Nursery: What to Expect at Little Starlings

Starting nursery brings a mix of feelings for most families. Excitement, a little worry, a lot of questions. I have been through this process with hundreds of children over the years, and what I can tell you is that the first week rarely looks the same twice. Some children walk in on day one and never look back. Others need a little more time and reassurance. Both are completely normal.

What we try to do at Little Starlings is make the whole process feel calm and unhurried, for your child and for you.

How We Settle Children In

We use what we call our Calm Start programme. The name says it all, really. There is no rushing, no rigid schedule, and no expectation that your child will simply get on with it from day one.

Typically, settling in looks something like this:

• The first session is around one hour, with you staying for part of it
• Sessions gradually increase as your child grows in confidence
• Most children are fully settled within one to two weeks

We follow your child's lead throughout. If they need a slower start, we slow down. If they take to nursery quickly, we can move things on. You will always know what is happening and why.

What Your Child Will Actually Do

From the very first session, your child is welcomed into the rhythm of the day rather than being treated as a visitor. That matters, because routine is one of the things that helps children feel safe.

A typical day at Little Starlings includes plenty of outdoor play, even in cooler or cloudy weather. We believe firmly that being outside does children good, and the children themselves tend to agree. There is also time for creative and messy play (we use nursery smocks for this, which are compulsory and cost £30 each), small group activities, stories, singing, and free exploration of the space.

We also get out into the local area regularly. Children visit the local library, explore nearby green spaces, and take part in termly outings like theatre trips, fire station visits, and mud club. For families coming to us from Balham, Tooting, Clapham South or nearby, you will recognise a lot of the places we talk about.

Your Child's Key Person

One of the most important parts of the first week is the relationship your child begins to build with their key person. Every child at Little Starlings has a dedicated key person, a member of staff who gets to know them as an individual, notices what they enjoy, and is the consistent, familiar face they can look for when they need reassurance.

Parents often ask me whether the key person relationship really makes a difference. In my experience, it is one of the things that matters most in those early weeks. Children settle faster when they have one trusted person to anchor themselves to.

What to Bring

Keeping things simple helps. For your child's first week, you will need:

• A named coat
• A named water bottle
• A change of clothes, all named
• Nappies and wipes if your child still needs them
• A packed lunch if applicable

We provide healthy snacks mid-morning, so you do not need to worry about those.

What to Expect as a Parent

Honestly, the first week can feel harder for parents than it does for children. That is something I see often. Leaving your child somewhere new requires a lot of trust, and I take that seriously.

A few things that help:

• Keep drop-offs calm and brief once your child is ready. Longer goodbyes tend to make things harder, not easier
• Know that we will always let you know if your child is struggling to settle, rather than leaving you to wonder
• Check in with us at pick-up. We are happy to talk through how the session went

We also share weekly updates through our Tapestry journal, so you get a real window into your child's day, what they played, who they played with, and how they are getting on.

A Note on Attendance in the Early Weeks

Children at Little Starlings attend a minimum of two sessions per week. This minimum exists for good reason. Consistency helps children settle. When there are too many days between sessions, it is harder for them to build the routine and relationships that make nursery feel familiar and safe.

If you are thinking about funded hours and how sessions might work around your family, our fees and funding page has more detail.

Come and See for Yourself

The best way to get a real feel for what the first week might look like for your child is to come and visit us. You can book a show-around at Little Starlings Nursery in Balham and meet the team, see the space and garden, and ask whatever is on your mind. If you would prefer something a little more relaxed before committing to a visit, our Stay and Play sessions are a lovely way to see the nursery in action alongside your child.