Starting nursery is a big step, and small routines make a big difference. At Bovan Creek, we build a short settling plan that grows from stay-and-play to brief independent time with your child’s Key Person.
What to expect at Bovan Creek
A tailored settling plan: Usually 3 short visits that build from stay-and-play to brief independent time.
Your Key Person: One consistent adult who learns your child’s cues, comforts and routines, and keeps you updated.
A calm, familiar rhythm: Hello song, cosy corner, snack, outdoor play repeated so your child knows what comes next.
Five simple things that help
- Visit together first: Let your child explore one corner they enjoy.
Keep goodbyes clear: A short, calm routine (“hug, wave, go”) beats lingering.
Bring comfort from home: A soft toy or family photo helps the room feel familiar.
Name the day: “After snack and play, Daddy will pick you up.”
Share what works: Tell us sleep cues, favourite songs, or snacks that soothe.
We’ll keep you updated on the app and at handover. Most children settle within a few short visits, if yours needs longer, we’ll personalise the plan together.
A sample settling plan (adapt to your child)
Visit 1 (60 mins): You both stay. Explore one area your child enjoys; meet Key Person.
Visit 2 (60 mins): You step out for 20–30 mins. Key Person tries a snack and short activity.
Visit 3 (60 mins): Independent stay with snack and outdoor time; quick handover on return.
Tip: It’s normal for children to protest at goodbye and settle shortly afterwards. We’ll message you once they’re calm.
Common worries (and what we do)
Tears at drop-off: We comfort, distract with favourites, and update you once settled.
Won’t eat/sleep: We mirror home cues and build trust first; appetite and naps follow.
Separation anxiety returns after illness/holiday: Repeat a short settling step and refresh the goodbye routine.
New to English: We learn key home phrases and use visuals/signs alongside warm modelling.
What we track and share
Mood and engagement (who they played with, what they loved).
Care notes (food, nappies/toileting, sleep) via our secure parent app.
Photos/quotes that show progress in the EYFS areas of learning.
A brief review after the first month with next steps we agree together.
Settling-In Checklist
☐ Comforter/photo packed
☐ Spare labelled clothes & nappies/wipes
☐ Routine notes (sleep/feeds/allergies) shared
☐ Goodbye script agreed
☐ Contact preferences set in the app
Do & don’t (quick list)
Do: arrive on time, use confident body language, tell us what works at home.
Don’t: sneak out without saying goodbye, over-promise (“I’ll be two minutes”) or extend goodbyes.
For children who need more time
Some children benefit from a personalised transition, extra visits, a gradual build to lunch/nap, or a comfort plan. Our head manager can coordinate strategies with outside professionals if needed.
Ready to start?
Book a visit, meet your Key Person, and we’ll create a settling plan that fits your child.
CTA: Book a Visit • Download our Settling-In Checklist • Speak to the Management
