Any ideas of how to help my 3 year settle into the school nursery class

[SleeptightDaisy]

My 3 year old boy started the school nursery last week and has steadily got more upset each day. I take him in to the classroom and try and settle him with an activity, the staff only come to settle him as I leave when he's already upset. He has been to lots of groups but always with me but will happily go off and play. Yesterday and today I left him in tears the nursery staff have said he calms down and starts to join in. I drove past today and saw him playing on a trike not crying but not looking happy either. When I've been to collect him he's again upset which the staff say happens as they are getting ready for home time. I'm looking for ideas of how to help him settle without the upset or is it just a matter of time.

Bump

Thanks intradental, you're right it's so hard leaving him knowing he's upset. I suppose I want a quick fix for him and selfishly me.

is it that he doesn't want you to go? Did you do some 'settling in' sessions where you got to stay with him for a bit?

We eill quite often suggest if a chid doesn't want there parent to go is for you to give the child something of yours (obviously not something too precious but equally something your child will know you will need to come back for. (Library card or something)) You ask the child to keep it safe for you and that you will come back later for it. We have found that usually this seems to help as its something tangible that the child can see and believe that you will come back for.(they seem to have a hard time understanding the concept of coming back just for them!!)
HTH

Yes he doesn't want me to go we have talked about the activities he could do and he just says he wants to do then at home with me. I could try the saving something of mine.
We did the visits before the summer break and he was fine was of playing and I could leave the room but a little girl that he plays with at play group and both our houses was there, she isn't now due as she goes on different days.
I initially stopped for a little while but he still got the upset when it was time to leave so not sure if stopping helps.

*was off playing

• now though

Worse again this morning upset at home before we went to school and then wanted to be carried in. I left him crying but have rang the school since and they've said he's OK and has been playing and has decorated cake for this afternoons cake sale.
I tried leaving something of mine with him to reassure that I would be back but it made him more upset so in the end I brought it home myself.