Last updated: April 2026

Review date: April 2027

This Policy links to the Key Person System

A settling session can and must be provided for children/babies starting nursery for the very first time or when moving to the next age group. The amount of settles will depend on the child and how quickly they respond to being left by the parent/carer.

We aim to work in partnership with parents/carers to create time for each child to be able to adapt to their surroundings easily and happily and for parents/carers and children to feel relaxed and informed about their child’s care.

Therefore the following principles apply:

• Nursery routines and procedures will be provided for all new and existing parents/carers.
• A friendly settling in session will be arranged with the room leader and key person.
• An individual timescale for any other settling in sessions will be discussed and set out clearly between parents/carers and the room leader.
• If a child is really unsettled, the room leader will liaise with the parent/carer to arrange more trials. 3 settling sessions is usually enough but any further settles must be discussed with the setting manager.

Procedure for settling sessions for a new starter:

• 1st settle: Arrange for parent/carer to stay with their child, to meet key person, be introduced to rest of team and to go through and complete their child’s All About Me. Approximately 2 hours.
• 2nd settle: Arrange for parent/carer to drop their child off with the key person but to ensure they have all the information they need including an emergency contact if needed. Check that you know if they have a comforter that will help them settle, a favourite story, nursery rhyme or activity, an allergy or care plan and an understanding of toilet/nappy procedures? Do they have appropriate clothing to go outside? Approximately 1 ½ hours.
• 3rd settle: The child can be dropped off for a 3 hour session but make sure it is a time when there is little transition in the room ie before or during meal times.
• Manager to arrange the start date and inform room lead and accounts. If the child is unsettled and would benefit from another session, this is to be discussed with the parent/carer and manager.
• For children moving rooms to the older age group, room leads and key person to work together and to arrange settles over a period of time. Procedures to be followed as if starting for the first time.

Procedure for arranging a settling session:

• Arranging the first settling in session at a convenient time for both the parent/carer, child and the room.
• Ensure you have enough time to provide information on the daily routine and nursery procedures at the first settling in session in an appropriate, friendly, and informal manner. Any questions that can’t be answered must be directed to the nursery manager.
• Introduce the key person and/or buddy as well as the rest of the team to the parent/carer.