SMALL STEPS. FAMILIAR FACES.

A gentle hello.
A place to belong.

Settling in is a shared process. We usually plan five days of introductory visits, beginning at around one hour and increasing gradually, with the pace adjusted to your child.

Come and meet us

Illustration of settling in experiences — Illustrative photograph · not Cedar Grove’s actual rooms, children or team.

Getting to know your family.

Before your child starts, we make time to hear about their routines, interests, home languages and the things that comfort them. Tell us about feeding, sleep, nappy changes or toileting, and any health or dietary needs. A favourite comforter, familiar words or a song can help create a connection between home and nursery.

You are welcome to stay for part of the settling visits. We agree together how to introduce short separations and keep you informed about how your child is responding.

Our usual five-day introduction.

Day 1
Around one hour to meet familiar adults and explore together.
Day 2
A slightly longer visit, repeating familiar play and beginning an agreed short separation when appropriate.
Day 3
More time to become comfortable with the room and join a familiar care or play routine.
Day 4
A longer stay, building confidence with everyday experiences such as a meal or rest where appropriate.
Day 5
Further time towards the agreed session, followed by a conversation about the next steps.

Visits generally increase by approximately one hour each day where appropriate. This is a starting point, not a test or a deadline. Some children need a slower pace, a repeated step or a different plan. Any chargeable private sessions are agreed beforehand.

Keep talking to us.

Your child’s key person notices how they seek comfort, explore and respond to familiar routines. Please share how things feel at home, too. We review the plan together and keep communication open through handovers and Famly.

A short, predictable goodbye can help once a separation is agreed. We will discuss what works for your child and how you can contact us. Call the nursery for urgent questions rather than relying on an app message.

Settling into the next room.

Room transitions also happen gradually. We introduce the new space and adults, share care routines and learning interests, and involve you in planning the move. The aim is continuity, familiarity and confidence at each stage.

Explore all four rooms