Starting Nursery & Prep School: Tips for a Successful Settling In
An Early Years perspective from Devonshire House Nursery & Prep School, Hampstead, on how a nurturing start helps children develop confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.
Starting school is often described as a milestone for children, but in reality, it is a significant transition for the whole family. Excitement, anticipation and pride are often accompanied by uncertainty, and sometimes anxiety, as children take their first steps into a new environment. As Early Years educators, we understand that these emotions are not only normal, they are an important part of the settling in process. This philosophy underpins our approach at Devonshire House School, where we see settling in not as a logistical exercise but as the beginning of a child’s educational journey.
A Positive Start Shapes Future Learning
Research and experience consistently show that children’s earliest experiences of nursery and school can have a lasting impact on their confidence, relationships and attitude towards learning. A successful transition helps children feel secure enough to explore, engage and develop independence.
Every child arrives with their own personality, experiences and temperament. Some walk confidently through the door, eager to explore their new surroundings. Others need more time, reassurance and familiarity before they feel comfortable. There is no single “right” way for a successful settling-in, and recognising this individuality is central to our early years philosophy.
In fact, one of the most common misconceptions is that a child who has attended a previous setting will automatically adapt with ease. New environments, routines and relationships can feel overwhelming, regardless of previous experience. What matters most is not how quickly a child settles, but how well supported they feel throughout the process.
School Readiness Starts With Emotional Readiness
The phrase “school readiness” is frequently discussed in education, but it is often misunderstood.
True readiness is not simply about recognising numbers, learning phonics or sitting still for longer periods. It begins with emotional readiness: the confidence to separate from a parent, engage with new experiences, communicate needs and develop positive relationships.
When children feel secure, curiosity follows. When they feel understood, confidence grows. These early experiences create the strong foundations that support academic learning throughout their educational journey.
The Importance of Partnership Between Home and School
One of the most effective ways to help children settling in is through strong collaboration between parents and educators.
Children are remarkably perceptive and often take cues from the adults around them. Talking positively about the nursery and the school, discussing new routines and helping children become familiar with key people and spaces can significantly ease the transition.
At Devonshire House Prep School, we see parents as partners from the very beginning. Open communication enables us to understand each child’s personality, preferences and needs, helping us create an environment where every child can flourish.
Building Trust through Consistency
For young children, consistency creates security.
One of the most valuable things adults can offer during transitions is predictability. Familiar phrases, clear routines and calm, confident goodbyes help children understand what is happening and reassure them that they are safe.
Children need to know that separation is temporary, that trusted adults will care for them, and that the people they love will always return. These simple messages, repeated consistently, help children develop resilience and confidence in navigating new experiences.
Supporting Children Through Every Stage of the Journey
Settling into nursery or school for the first time is rarely a straight line. It is common for children to experience moments of uncertainty, even after they appear to have settled successfully.
This is entirely normal and forms part of healthy development. What matters most is that children are supported by trusted adults who understand their needs and provide consistent reassurance. Through strong relationships with teachers, key workers and families, children gradually develop the confidence and resilience that enable them to become increasingly independent.
Looking Beyond the First Day
For families considering a Nursery School or a Prep School, the settling-in process may seem like a relatively small step in a child’s overall education. Yet these early experiences have a profound impact.
A successful transition helps children develop confidence, resilience, independence and a love of learning. It helps them build relationships, embrace challenges and view school as a place where they feel happy, supported and valued.
At Devonshire House Nursery & Prep School, we believe that everything starts with belonging. When children feel secure, learning follows naturally. That is why supporting every child through those important first weeks remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in their future.
Written by Devonshire House Early Years Team – Part of Dukes Education
