First day at school - covid

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My daughter is starting nursery school in September and has only turned 3 yesterday.

She isn't talking very well yet (speech therapy is supposed to be happening but nothing because of corona) and doesn't understand she is going to school or that I won't be staying with her. I'm a stay at home parent so she has never been in a childcare or nursery setting before.

There have been no stay and play/settling in sessions, never met her teacher, or seen her classroom.

I have emailed school just asking what to expect on the first day, and asking whether parents will be allowed to go inside and ensure they are settled but It could be a while before it's picked up.

I don't know what I'm asking really I suppose just does anybody have any tips for getting her in calmly if I'm not allowed to go inside?
She is so tiny and so young still and it just feels really cruel to send her off through a door to an unknown place with people she doesn't know when it's her first ever time away from me and going something completely different

I would feel better if she knew what was going on and I could explain what will happen but due to the delayed speech and that she is literally only just 3 it's a little tricky to have a proper two way conversation!

Is she going part time? Did you like it when you looked around
..why did you choose the school nursery rather than a private which maybe more flexible...

She doesn't have to go anywhere legally just think through why you've got to this position....it could be great for her development or v stressful....unlikely in most settings you'll be able to go in....especially in covid but I know school nursery here never have...

You have options...especially if staying at home...write apnpros and cons list, maybe try and see how goes if nursery good they should be able to help her starting..

My ds was young in year and bit behind we used local playgroupbased part time and skipped nursery...my nephew v similar but also v v shy (end of Aug baby)went to school nursery as the norm and thrived took longer to start than some but once settled loved it..

Don't panic is main advice!

Agree with above. If it would cause her distress, don't send her. Its not compulsory. You could ask about deferring the place a while, they may say no if they are full with a waiting list but worth trying.

It's because my other child is already in the school, it's a fab school and I know the staff and the place well. It's just that she doesn't have a clue what's to come and hasn't been able to see her teacher or classroom and familiarise herself with it all.

I don't want covid to stop yet another thing in our lives, I guess I just feel very sad at the thought of her having a bad start and struggling to turn it around all because of the way things have to be when she starts.
It could make such a big difference just being able to take her inside and distract her with something and slip away quietly, but am conscious that it is more than likely going to be that I have to leave her outside.

Yes it is only 3 hours a day. We are not eligible for childcare funding, nor are we able to afford to send her to a private nursery. It will be good for her, I just wish she was getting the opportunity to settle in properly and not be chucked in the deep end.
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If she has turned 3 why is she not eligible for 15 hours funding in September?

She only turned 3 a matter of days ago, and this is just the next natural step for us as it's where my other child started.

I've been a stay at home parent since having them. so didnt 'need' childcare so a private nursery has just never been something we considered.

This is the school she will start in reception and I would prefer not to rock the boat more by sending her elsewhere for a year and then having to start again next September.

Before covid it wouldn't have been an issue because there would have been settling in days, home visits with the teacher, seen her classroom and setting but obviously it's changed protocols in schools.

Anyway I'm really just looking for tips and advice on how to help a just turned 3 year old go into nursery potentially without me.

I'm not going to traumatise her and force to to go forever if it is impacting on our lives badly but I'm keen for her to have the best start possible.