clingy pre-schooler 2nd session and just had a phone call to pick him up.....

[NotInTheMood]

as he wasn't settling and literally clinged to his key worker. So they rang and asked me to pick him up.He's just turned 3 and is currently just doing one session per week today was his second day/afternoon (4hours).He will start full time after easter when the government funding kicks in.

We had two settling in sessions where i stayed and then went upstairs for an hour towards the end he cried and then settled. Last week was his first full afternoon he cried and then settled and was fine when I picked him up didnt seem upset or eager to go home. Today he cried and didn't settle at all.Not sure what to do. I tried him at nursery when he turned two and he was alot worse then so I stopped as felt he was still young.

Also to add his key worker suggested it might be a long time between sessions. He does seem to remeber the place and his keyworker though. But I really can't afford anymore sessions as it is £16 a session.But my first child went there and really enjoyed it although the staff have since changed etc

ideally he would do more sessions but if money doesn't allow they can't force you.

Some children do take longer to settle, this is normal behaviour and nothing to be worried about yet. give him a chance and perservere. Keep sending him, tell him you are going to do something really boring and will be back later. This should be all in a day's work for the staff.

Hi
Only just seen this post, so hopefully things have improved for you and your little one, and he is a bit more settled.
Just wanted to say that I am having the same problems. Mine is 2 1/2 and despite the preschool being the most lovely place - he is really struggling to settle. I stayed for the first couple of settling in sessions - then tried leaving for a short period (with him crying and then settling a bit more while I was gone). It got worse though and he was crying well before we even got there. So sad!!
Now - at the staff's suggestion, as well as mine - I am staying for the full session with him, and have been for the past 2 weeks. He is, at least enjoying it now, and I am hoping to gradually withdraw sometime soon!!
Just thought I would mention it in case it was an option for you.
Some settings might not be so keen to have mum/dad staying, but luckily our place has been fully supportive.
Good luck! :)

Hi
can't you jjust wait until after easter when the funding kicks in? One session a week obviously isn't working for him at the moment so if I were you I would just wait, it's only a couple of months. That way you can start him with say 3 sessions which will give more continuity. They do settle in eventually, but possivbly not with just one session a week.

I had to spend the entire first term sitting in with dd2 to help her settle. It was worth it in the end though as she now trots in happily, most of the time. She's taken a whole year really to completely settle in - just in time to do the whole thing all over again at school in Spetember!

I would second leaving it until after Easter though. I don't think one session a week is enough, so you might as well wait until the funding kicks in.