3year old about to start nursery

[LittleMigraines]

I'm a first time parent, with no 'mum' friends, what are the essentials I will need for my 3 year old at nursery? I've just purchased some name tags, so that's one thing, but I feel a little lost with what else, to be honest.
Also, what are some good lunch/snack options to take? I usually just make sandwiches for lunch, but feel I should maybe mix this up and add different side options?

If you're walking, I found wellies useful and a scooter as they're usually tired when they come out.

Have the Nursery given any guidelines on what food is acceptable and what isn't? Ours had a cook so I can't be much help with the lunch apart from the obvious things like savoury muffins, drop pancakes or a slice of homemade pizza.

Our nursery food is provided but I would probably give a similar thing (like sandwiches) every day so she knows what to expect and eats it.

Name everything! The lost property box at nursery is full of I named items.

You will need a bag/spare change of clothes (more than one change if potty training) suncream and hat in the summer.

Does the nursery do cooked meals? I would highly recommend you have those if it's an option. Most nurseries will be no nut products and healthy eating policies.

You'll need at least one change of clothes - remember spares of everything - pants, socks etc too as they often get wet and dirty in play. Wellies as they go into autumn might be handy. Just remember the basics such as coats - it's amazing how many parents don't realise children go outside even in bad weather.

Send them in in old clothes or get the nursery uniform so they can get mucky. White, expensive brands aren't recommended (surprising how many parents do this!).

If your child still needs nappies then the nursery may need supplies of these. Remember to put on suncream this time of year.

Name everything but still expect to lose items so don't send them in any clothes/jackets you don't want to risk going astray!

If you google phrases like "what you need for nursery" there are lots of lists posted by nurseries themselves, childcare providers, other parents.

As others have said, name everything. Send lots of spare clothes and something for all weather possibilities. Ideally clothes they can put on themselves, or make an effort at that anyway - not lots of complicated buttons. Don't send any clothes you'd be upset to have returned covered in tomato pasta sauce, felt pen, glue, mud. And include nappy bags or plastic bags to have dirty or wet clothes returned in, Don't send precious toys from home they would be sad to lose, or anything expensive. If you need to supply medicine, sun cream, that sort of stuff - label all that as well.

Is this a school nursery, or a private day nursery?

They will have different expectations and things you need.

It is a school nursery, however I think they expect you to provide the lunches, the usual exceptions of no nuts, certain oils, etc. They are not allowed juice/squash either, just water. Unfortunately she won't drink water without some juice, and is incredibly fussy with foods (other than sandwiches).

At our school the nursery children (age 3-4) that stay all day can have either a school dinner, or a packed lunch.

They wear a school uniform, and have a spare set of uniform and underwear kept in a bag on their peg in school.

Wellies and a raincoat are a must as a lot of learning takes place outside.

My kids wouldn't drink water.

I just put squash in a reusable bottle that isn't see through. Nobody knows. I'm not having them thirsty all day over a drop of squash.

Include a change of shoes in with the spare clothes, if possible. Nothing hugely robust, but something clean and dry and in her size.

Let her help out things into her lunch box so she is excited to open it up.

She’ll be fine!

Spare set of clothes

Wellies

Sun hat in summer

Warm hat and gloves in winter

Suitable coat for the season - rain jacket or warm winter coat.

Lunch - a sandwich/wrap/pasta/crackers with a protein.
A portion of fruit, a portion of veg. A dairy based extra like a babybel or yoghurt. A small treat like a biscuit, malt loaf or popcorn if you want (they probably aren't allowed sweets or chocolate bars.

I'm a nursery nurse and this is what we ask parents to bring
Set of spare clothes INCLUDING SOCKS
Wellies
Waterproof trousers
Sun cream
Sun hat
Water bottle
Waterproof coat
Everything should be named- we sometimes have numerous similar items with no names on to identify.... I love the parents who name everything - it is a lifesaver!