Nursery
What does settling in at the nursery look like?
Article author: mgr Aneta Świderska - Dyrektor, Opiekun, Lektor
In brief
Settling in means getting used to a new place, a new group and new carers, step by step. In our nursery, children have the same carers in two small groups, and each child joins activities at their own pace. Before the first day, talk to the carers, agree how the first days will go and keep goodbyes calm and short.
Every child settles in at their own pace. This article is general information.
What is settling in?
Settling in is the time when a child gets to know a new place, new people and a new daily rhythm. For a toddler that is a lot of novelty at once, so the first days can be hard. Crying, reluctance to say goodbye or poorer sleep are common in this period and usually fade as the child begins to feel safe.
The aim of settling in is not to get a child used to goodbyes as quickly as possible. It is to make sure that, in a new place, they have a familiar, steady person who understands them.
How does settling in work in our nursery?
Children are divided into two small groups. Each group is looked after by permanent carers who know the daily rhythm and the needs of every toddler. This means that from the first days, a child has someone they know.
Nursery activities also serve as a gentle introduction to kindergarten. The nursery and the kindergarten share a building, so children can get to know the kindergarten space before they start there.
Every child joins the group at their own pace. If your child needs more time, we agree the next steps with the family.
How to prepare for the first days
Talk to the carers before you start
Tell them about your child’s habits, food, sleep and what calms them down. This makes it easier to choose the first steps.
Agree how long your child stays
In the first days, ask how long your child should stay at the nursery and when you should come back for them. Agree it together rather than guessing.
Bring something from home
A favourite soft toy or small toy often helps in the first days. Label it with your child’s name. For the full list, read What to pack for nursery and kindergarten.
Say a short goodbye
A calm, short goodbye is better than slipping away quietly. Your child learns faster that you will come back for them.
Call or write
If you have questions or your child takes a long time to calm down, let us know. A conversation helps us work out what might help.
What should I expect in the first weeks?
The first weeks can bring changes in eating, sleep and behaviour at home. This is a natural reaction to a new environment. Calm usually returns with time, although the pace differs from child to child.
A good sign is when your child joins play more willingly, looks for contact with the carers and says hello to them more easily.
Common questions about settling in
How long does settling in take?
It usually takes a few weeks, but the pace depends on the child. There is no single right length. What matters most is that your child feels safe with their carer.
Is it normal for a child to cry in the first days?
Yes. Crying in the first days is common and natural. If your child does not calm down for a long time, write to us, and we will think together about what might help.
How can I help my child at home?
Talk about the nursery calmly and positively, read picture books about going to nursery and keep familiar routines before leaving. A child feels more confident when they know what to expect.
See also
Read next
For parentsWhat should I bring to nursery and kindergarten?Bring spare clothes, spare shoes, clothing suited to the weather and items labelled with your child’s name. Meals are provided during the day, so you usually do not need to bring food from home. Before the first day, ask us what the group needs, as requirements depend on age and group.
Daily lifeWhat does a day at the nursery and kindergarten look like?At Magiczna Kraina nursery and kindergarten, the day runs from 7:00 to 17:00. Children play, exercise, eat and rest, and in the afternoon they take part in extra activities. The nursery serves four meals a day and the kindergarten three. The exact activities depend on the group and the day of the week.
AdmissionsWhat age can a child start nursery or kindergarten?At our nursery we take children aged 1 to 3, and at the kindergarten children aged 2.5 to 6. Children are admitted in the order in which applications arrive. The registration fee of 400 zł reserves a place on the list of admitted children. Ask us about current arrangements when you apply.
Want to know more?
Get in touch by phone or email. We are happy to answer your questions and arrange a visit.