Half term is a great way for your child to take a break from routines and spend more time with family in the crucial stages of growing up. However, settling back into nursery can feel like starting the first day all over again — it can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for your child. In this article, we’ll explore different tips for your child so they can settle back into nursery seamlessly.
Are Nurseries Open Year Round?
Yes, many UK nurseries do open all year round. Day nurseries in the UK, run by various providers including private, non-profit, charitable, NHS, and local authority organisations, care for and educate children from birth to five years old.
They operate year-round, typically from 8 am to 5 pm, with some open longer and even offering overnight care. Day nurseries vary in size, accommodating 20 to over 200 children, and are usually divided into age-specific rooms.
First Steps Nursery is open from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, ensuring that we make the most of your child’s learning experience.
Are Nurseries Open on Bank Holidays?
This usually depends on the individual nursery. Some nurseries choose to open on bank holidays, whereas others may choose to close their doors. It’s best to check with the nursery to confirm what their bank holiday policy is and whether they charge any additional costs.
Tips to Help Your Child Settle Back In
Communication
Keep an open dialogue with the nursery and share any significant events or changes that may have occurred over the break, such as new siblings, house moves or changes to routines. This information is key to providing the best possible tailored support. If the break has been lengthy (i.e. longer than a month), get in touch with the nursery beforehand to confirm your child’s key worker and to find out if there have been any important changes.
On your child’s first day back, be prepared to spend some time with their key worker, discussing what they’ve been up to, how they’re feeling and any changes you’ve noticed while they’ve been away from nursery – for example, have they started potty training or has their speech developed?
Remember that going back to work can be stressful for parents too. Try to organise your schedule so that you’re available if needed, but rest assured that nursery staff are experienced in helping children settle back in and will only very rarely need to ask parents to collect their child early.
Engaging Activities
There are many engaging activities that can effectively help children re-engage with nursery after a half-term break that you can start practising at home to get them in the mood. These activities could include anything from art and craft activities to more physical activities. This can be beneficial for children’s overall well-being and can help them to release pent-up energy and excitement, making them more receptive to learning and interacting with their peers, when they go back to nursery.
Emotional Support
Children exhibit a wide range of emotions and behaviours when returning to nursery after a break. Some children are excited and eager to return to their familiar environment, friends, and activities. Others may experience anxiety, separation anxiety, or clinginess due to the disruption of their routine and the unfamiliarity of being away from their primary caregivers.
Staff members play a vital role in easing the transition for children. They should be attentive to individual needs, providing extra support and reassurance to children who may be struggling. Maintaining open and consistent communication with parents is also essential. Sharing information about the child’s experiences at home and at nursery can help staff and parents work together to ensure a smooth and positive transition for the child.
Have Trust in the Nursery
Nursery staff are highly experienced in managing the transition back to nursery after a break. They possess the knowledge and skills to guide both you and your child through this process successfully. Their primary goal is to ensure a smooth and comfortable reintegration for your little one.
It is crucial to trust their expertise and be receptive to their suggestions. Collaborate closely with them to determine the most effective strategies for your child’s unique needs. By working together, you can create a positive and nurturing environment that fosters your child’s emotional well-being and facilitates a seamless return to the nursery routine.
By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition back into nursery for your child after a long break. With preparedness, thought and trust, parents and guardians can feel at ease that their child is ready for the new term. It’s important to note that every child is an individual, and all go through their own journey of settling into their comfort zone.
At First Steps Nursery, we recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of every child, and have measures and services in place to help nurture and make them feel at ease. With quality educational activities and engaging rooms, our friendly staff are trained to give your child the best learning experience. Contact us if you need any further information or questions today!
