Advice needed: 2.10 dd fears going to bed

[funnytummymummy]

I really need to get some advice here, my dd of 2.10 has a huge fear of going to bed. When I take her to bed I have to 'pretend' to sleep next to her, then I hold her hand until she falls asleep. This has been going on for a week now and last night woke up 3 times crying, she can't wait to get out of her room in the morning. If I didnt do the sleep/holding her hand thing she would be hysterical about me going.

She has started pre-school last week and also finds it difficult me leaving her there. She's there now and was hysterical when I left. I don't know what I can do to help her, I also have a 7 month dd who, thankfully sleeps peacefully through the night

Does she have a night light? or can she look after something of yours to help her get back to sleep?
It does sound as though the new pre-school and the non sleeping are linked doesn't it?

Yeah, she does have a night light because she became frightened of the dark, she also has a penguin comfort toy. I was thinking about maybe giving her my pillow tonight?

Perhaps trying the line 'now that you are my big girl, i wondered if you'd like to look after my pillow tonight?'

is it the being left alone that she doesn't like?