Settling in period when changing nurseries

[MattHancocksPrivateNurse]

Hello,
My 2 year old is about to change to a different nursery, same 3 days a week. I had an email yesterday saying they have a 3 week settling in period, starting with an hour a day for the first week, then gradually increasing until a full day by the third week.
I know a settling in period is normal when starting nursery (DD did it then) but I was on mat leave and it was no issue. I'm meant to be working my usual 3 days a week when she starts. I feel terrible saying can she just start (she is confident and I'm sure she will be fine, she also has 2 friends in her new group that she knows well) but I can't take 3 weeks off work! I know I should have anticipated it I didn't even think about it- 3 kids, busy work I just assumed she would start there! How did it work for you when older kids moved?

No experience, but can't you just tell them she is well used to nursery and she won't need it?

An hour a day for a week? That seems really excessive for most children. What’s the fee situation for that time? I’d definitely be asking to reduce the settling in time considerably if your DD seems fine after the first day.

I'd expect the hour a day settling in period to be before you actually want the nursery full time (and for them not to charge). And then to go to the hours you want.

Are you using a nursery that has a lot of children who only come in for free hours sessions, rather than one that is aimed at working parents? I can't imagine a nursery aimed at working parents would expect this!

Mine moved nurseries just after her second birthday. She did W/Th/F every week. This was a couple of years ago, but I’m sure we did a visit of half an hour with me staying there on Monday, and then an hour without me the next day, then full time from the Wednesday.

Just say no… presumably you are paying for it… so just say that doesn’t work and you need an immediate start.

I’m glad you agree it’s a bit crazy. Of course I’d pay for it- the settling in period isn’t paid but I would rather pay fully and get her in. They’ve said we don’t have to do the full 2 weeks depending on how she gets on. Praying she loves it from the start now but also if they say no we need to do the hourly, half day settles that I’ll be screwed with last minute having to take leave/call on non existent help. Aaaargh!