Settling-in guide for 2–3 year-olds: what helps in the first weeks
- anon
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Starting pre-school is exciting, and a big step. The first few sessions are all about helping your child feel safe with new people, new routines and a new space. This guide explains what to bring, how to handle good-byes, and what’s normal in the settling-in phase, plus a printable checklist at the end.
Good to know: Most children settle within a few sessions. Ups and downs are completely normal while they learn the new rhythm.
How settling-in usually feels (and what to expect)
Day 1–2: Curiosity + wobbles. Many children explore, then suddenly remember you’ve stepped away.
Days 3–5: The “dip.” Once the newness wears off, separation can feel harder for a short spell.
Weeks 2–3: Confidence grows as routines become predictable and friendships begin.
Your job: keep arrivals calm and consistent; share any worries with your child’s key person so we can agree small supports.
What to bring (and why it helps)
Packing simple, named essentials prevents stress for children and staff—and speeds up play.
Comfort item (if used): a small soft toy/blanket smells like home and can settle emotions quickly.
Named water bottle: easy access to drinks supports concentration and play outdoors.
Spare clothes (tops, bottoms, socks) – all named: little spills and garden play are part of learning.
Nappies/wipes & nappy cream (if used) – in a named pouch: keeps change-times smooth.
Wellies & waterproofs: we use the garden in most weather; dry feet = happy explorers.
Sun hat & sun cream / warm hat & gloves (seasonal): comfort outdoors helps children stay curious for longer.
Labelling tip: a permanent marker, sticky label, or iron-on name labels on all items saves a lot of time.
First-week tips for calm arrivals
Keep good-bye short and confident. Your steady smile tells your child it’s safe to stay.
Start small if needed. Shorter sessions for the first few days are fine; we’ll build up together.
Talk about what will happen. “We’ll put your coat on the peg, play in the blocks, have snack, then I’ll see you after garden time.”
Protect quiet evenings. Early nights and simple routines help bodies adjust.
Label everything. Comfort toys and spare clothes wander during busy play!
Saying good-bye: a tiny routine that makes a big difference
Children love patterns. Choose a repeatable, three-step routine and use the same goodbye sentence each day.
Example routine: coat peg → hug → high-five → wave at the window.
Good-bye line: “I’ll be back after garden time.” (Use the same words daily.)
Hand over to your child’s key person so they can guide the transition. If your child is upset, we’ll comfort them and send an update once they’ve settled—no news during the first ten minutes is usually a good sign.
Potty-training: keep it relaxed
No need to be fully trained to start. We meet children where they are.
Dress for success: elastic-waist bottoms are easier for quick dashes.
Share your words and routine: do you say “toilet,” “potty,” “wee,” “poo,” “nappy change”?
Accidents are part of learning. We celebrate tries, never shame.
Pack several named pants/bottoms if training is in progress.
Who to talk to if you’re worried
Your child’s key person – daily handovers and little wins from the session.
SENCo/Manager – if you’d like extra support or have questions about speech, behaviour, or additional needs.
Office – phone or email during session times.
Together we can agree a simple home–setting plan (e.g., shorter sessions, a new drop-off routine, or a comfort item strategy).
Common questions from parents
How long should I stay at drop-off?
A few minutes is plenty. Say hello together, help hang the coat, then use your goodbye routine. Lingering can make separation harder.
What if my child cries?
Crying is communication, not a problem to fix instantly. We soothe, distract with play, and keep you updated once they’re settled.
What if we miss a day?
We’ll pick up the routine again next time. A quick reminder at home (“coat peg, hug, high-five…”) helps re-anchor the pattern.
The checklist (quick recap)
Comfort item (if used)
Named water bottle
Spare named clothes
Nappies/wipes/cream (if used) in a named pouch
Wellies & waterproofs
Sun hat & cream / warm hat & gloves (seasonal)
Short, confident goodbye routine
Share words/routines for potty or nappies
Label everything!
Download the printable checklist
Pop it on your fridge for the first week.
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