Crying at drop off

[Rosebel]

My son has been going to nursery since he was 7 months (22 months now) and loved it. Had a little wobble at about 9 months when he was a bit tearful at nursery drop off.
He moved in to toddlers just before Christmas and seemed fine but for the last 4 weeks he's been very upset at drop off, tears, reaching out to me or DH. I am always calm and positive at drop off and I don't hang around as I think it's best to leave quickly with a hug and kiss.
Sometimes he settles but sometimes he doesn't and is upset all morning. I've had to pick him up twice early as he's upset.
I'm not sure if we should carry on or look for another nursery. I see photos of him on their parents page and he's involved but never looks especially happy.
I'm looking at going for another job with more hours but what's the point if he can't even cope with 2 mornings?
I can't remember if at this age it's normal to regress or if I need to change nursery.

Is there new workers in the room?
Anything that's changed at home?

Settling in at a new nursery may be even harder for him.

I wonder if the fact that it's only 2 mornings might be part of the problem. Our nursery had a load of DC (including one of mine) reduce their hours around age 2-3 when a sibling came along. Several of them (including mine) were much less happy on reduced hours and perked up again when their hours were increased. Our nursery actually changed its policy because they could see the same DC settling so much better on more hours.

I don't know if another nursery would help, but I do think it's a positive that they are ringing you to collect when he is upset.