For many parents in West London, helping a child feel at ease when starting nursery raises several concerns: how to make good use of early years education, how long it takes children to settle, and what routines and support make the transition smoother. Recent data show that in 2024, 74 % of children aged 0-4 in England used some type of childcare in a term-time week, and 64 % used formal childcare such as nurseries or childminders. Explore Education Statistics Research also confirms that high-quality early childhood education improves language, social development and readiness for school, especially for children who might otherwise fall behind.
This article provides practical guidance for parents to help their child when starting nursery. It draws on best practice, reliable evidence, and local considerations to help West London families approach this important step with confidence.
Why Early Years Matters
When children attend nursery, they gain more than supervision. Well-run nurseries support development across language, behaviour, social skills and emotional regulation. Studies from the UK show children from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit markedly; early exposure to structured environments can help close communication skills and social confidence gaps.
The nursery also acclimates children to routines similar to those in reception (the first year of primary school). When children are familiar with structured play, group work and sharing, the transition into school is smoother. For many families, this means fewer tears, less anxiety and a stronger foundation for learning.
Practical Measures to Ease the Transition
Below are steps parents can take before and during the early weeks to support their child’s emotional and social readiness.
1. Visit the Nursery Before Starting
Arrange several short visits so your child can explore the nursery space, meet staff, and see where meals, naps, and play happen. These familiarisation visits help reduce uncertainty. They also give you, as a parent, a chance to observe the environment, ask questions about routines, and understand how the staff communicate with parents.
2. Establish Predictable Routines at Home
Children thrive when their days follow patterns. Bedtimes, mealtimes and morning routines that mirror the nursery’s schedule help your child anticipate what to expect. Even simple rituals—such as reading a book before sleep or a quiet chat in the morning—can bring stability.
3. Build Strong Communication with Staff
Share details about your child’s preferences, challenges and strengths. If your child has particular comfort items, sleep patterns or food items they prefer, telling nursery staff helps them provide continuity during the day. Regular check-ins in the early weeks can help address minor concerns before they grow.
4. Support Emotional Comfort
A familiar toy or blanket, or even a family photo in their bag, can help a child feel safer. Parents can also practise short separations before the first full day, so children gradually learn that their parents will return. During the early weeks, saying goodbye confidently and briefly helps children adjust more quickly.
5. Encourage Social Skills Before Nursery Begins
Opportunities for peer interaction, playgroups, meeting friends, and library story times help children practise sharing, turn-taking and communicating with others. These experiences reduce social anxiety once they start nursery, as children already have exposure to group settings.
What Parents in West London Should Know
- Free early years entitlement: Children aged three and four are eligible for weekly funded nursery hours. Check eligibility and ensure you apply early, as spaces fill fast.
- Quality indicators: Look for nurseries registered with Ofsted with positive reports, favourable parent reviews, and well-qualified staff. High-quality provision has consistent staff, small group sizes, and a clear Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
- Financial support and costs: Even with free hours, additional fees (meals, nappies, wrap-around care) may apply. Budget accordingly and clarify any extra charges with the nursery.
- Transport and logistics: Traffic and public transport in West London can affect drop-offs; choosing a nearby nursery or arranging car-sharing or walking groups makes the routine more manageable.
Evidence on Outcomes
Research highlights several key outcomes when children engage in high-quality nursery settings for sufficient hours:
- Improved vocabulary and early literacy skills, especially for children from less advantaged families.
- Enhanced social behaviour, including cooperation, sharing and conflict resolution, compared to children who stay only in informal or minimal childcare settings.
- Better school adjustment in the reception year helps children settle into formal learning more rapidly. Familiarity with group learning and structured play supports this adjustment.
Further Reading and Support
For more comprehensive advice and suggestions on emotional and practical strategies during the transition, you can turn to expert resources created by childcare professionals. These guides explore approaches such as building positive drop-off routines, preparing children for separation, and maintaining strong communication with nursery staff. They also highlight practical tips for supporting children at home, from bedtime rituals encouraging rest to activities boosting social confidence. If you would like detailed insights designed for parents, this guide on starting nursery offers step-by-step advice to help children and families adapt smoothly.
Conclusion
When children begin nursery, parents can help ensure the move is positive by visiting ahead, creating routines, supporting emotional needs and selecting a nursery with high standards. The gains are substantial: improved social skills, stronger communication, and readiness for school life. West London families who invest time and care at this stage seldom regret it—what seems like small-scale support in the early months yields lasting benefits.
