Nursery tips

[Olga]

Hi my daughter will be starting at a school nursery next week in the afternoon after lunch 12.30 to 3.30. She has never been to a nursery before she's 3.5. Consequently I have no idea what she should need or is allowed to take if anything. Should she have a bag does she need spare clothes, coat or jumper? Should she take snacks/drink, will she be allowed a favourite toy or is that a bad idea? Also she's really into dressing up at the moment and I'm sure this will be a bit of a battle ground can they wear fancy dress or is this going to cause funny looks from teachers and possible arguments with other kids. Any thoughts. Thanks

[Pickle]

It depends on which school it is really - and certainly the school nursery my kids go to issue a list of the things you need before the term starts (Goodrich).

At Goodrich you don't take spare clothes, they have a box of them which get lent out if needed, but you do take your own coats/hats etc. They provide a snack in the nursery there (fruit, water & milk) so no need to take food.

In terms of taking a favourite toy I would do so with care - it will be very easy for it to get mislaid. My son was desperate to take a book in once, so the teachers took it from him, read it to the class, then kept it safe for me until I picked him up. There are loads of dressing up clothes in the nursery at Goodrich, and every now and then they do dress up days. The rest of the time the children are expected to wear their uniform.

I hope that helps. Not all school nurseries will be the same, but I wouldn't imagine them being miles different.

[Olga]

Thanks for that info Pickle. Actually it's Ivydale school Nursery so not east dulwich but thought they might be the same. I haven't received any information regarding her first day. I believe there's a uniform for the school but don't think this applies to the nursery. Maybe I'll get more info on the day she starts.

[nunheadmum]

You're right that there's no uniform for the nursery at Ivydale. I haven't had a child in the nursery but my eldest just finished reception there and the nursery and reception classes operate together a lot.

My understanding is that there is always fruit out in the nursery and the kids can help themselves - although they keep an eye on them to make sure the kids don't gorge themselves! We were advised to take a change of clothes at the start of reception - I think they have spares if needed but the kids usually feel better in their own clothes, if available. They get to go out a lot so they will need coats, jumpers, hats, wellies, sunscreen etc as appropriate for the weather.

The staff in the nursery are lovely so I'm sure they won't mind if anyone turns up in something more adventurous - I'm sure I've seen a few! If there are any issues, they're sure to deal with it....and little ones usually take it better from nursery staff than from mum, so it may be better to save yourself the battle. I would be wary of taking in any precious toys. By all means, take it along on the first day if it helps settling in and the staff will advise how they prefer to deal with it. But I usually just tell my LO's that if they take a toy, they'll need to share it with others....that usually dissuades them! That said, I did find the reception teachers good at dealing with it if things did get taken in......I'm sure nursery will be the same.

Don't worry too much though about what to do or not to do. Ivydale is a pretty relaxed atmosphere. It can mean a bit of lack of info at times, which frustrates us all no end. But the early years provision is really excellent. I'm sure your daughter will love it. And the parents are generally a pretty nice bunch too!

[Olga]

Thanks for that info and allaying my concerns. Sounds lovely and easy going, I'm sure I'll find out more on the day.