Finding settling in at nursery really tough!

[floppops]

My two year old DD has been settling in this week at nursery-only 3 mornings a week. The first day I stayed with her for an hour and a half and she really enjoyed it. Second day she didn't enjoy it and we stayed an hour and she seemed quite sad. Both those days I stayed in the corridor only coming in for a moment when she came to find me. Then the third day she had a different carer who didn't let her come find me in the corridor and she screamed and cried for an hour for me. Eventually the head of the nursery intervened and let me sit in the corner of the room and she calmed down for a bit and then wanted to go.
I am a bit confused as what to do. She didn't just cry for a bit and then settle as some people say. She was hysterical. Does it just take alot of time-which I am happy to put in. When do you know whether they can settle or not?
I won't leave her there if she is not enjoying it. I realise it will take time to get used to it bit I also wonder how long does this process-if successful-usually takes?

Hello there.I am a mum of a boy who cried at nursery and I have been a nursery teacher for several years. the main reason children cry when they are left at nursery is separation anxiety.
If your DD knows you are in the building the likely hood is that she will cry and cry until she becomes hysterical.
The best solution is to 'kiss and drop',explaining you are going shopping or doing the housework and then you will come to pick her up.She will cry and then probably stop shortly afterwards.
I have yet to see a child who does not settle and begin to enjoy nursery.Ask the practitioner to telephone you if she continues or you could call them to make sure she has settled.
It is not unusual for a child to react like this but a huge step in the right direction once they settle and they have a wonderful time with their new friends.

Has anyone had a child that didn't stop crying in the whole session?
My DD cried for an hour. Thought that was too long.

I was also going to stay why are you lurking in the corridor? Probably better to just kiss and go. The Nursery will phone you if they really need you.

PS. I am also a teacher. The kids usually settle fine once mum isn't there to witness it all.

Oh and it is my DS2 first day at Nursery on Monday. I have no intention of staying more than 20 mins - tops.... I have plans!

It's their policy for a parent to stay in the building during settling in at first. I was planning on getting her into an activity and then leaving for a bit and seeing how that went but so far she hasn't been happy to do any activities at all.