Would appreciate some perspectives:
Our DD is 2. She's been at nursery two days a week for a year. Got settled in and then loved it most of the time, usually running in happily and she has thrived there.
This September she's moved up a room. So for 2-3 year olds not 1-2 year olds. So more kids (15 not 8) and slightly lower staff ratio (though still good). Also a more school / nursery like environment. Emphasis on teaching skills and independence etc. All good.
When she moved up we made time at drop off to go in and stay with her to get her settled. Nursery encouraged this, lots of new children starting nursery full time so plenty of that going on. First week or so she was fine, took a little time to warm up, agree to play and then after 10 mins or so ok for me or DH to leave.
However, the last three drop offs she has stayed close to me or DH, not wanted to play with anything, clung and cried when we left. Difficult as the nursery are now pushing to scale back parents staying and playing.
I think a few things have caused this, in particular I have been busy at work and on several nursery days I have not been around in the evening (had to work late, or been away overnight). I think she is starting to associate nursery with me not being around.
But also, the staff aren't handling the drop off time that well. They are disinterested, busy prepping the day, not good at being ready to draw the children in to a game or activity as they prepare to say goodbye to parents. Big contrast to the baby room where they were great at this.
This week they are giving off the vibe that DD is 'the difficult one'. They are going through the motions of 'receiving' the children as it was raised by several parents at a parent meeting (arranged by nursery) last week. But making it clear it is a hassle and more or less telling DD to stop being silly, rather than offering some gentle support and reassurance.
I'm a bit surprised things have deteriorated so quickly. Any ideas on how we can turn things around?