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Preschool education

Get advice from other Mumsnetters to find the best nursery for your child on our Preschool forum.

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Original poster

PFB starts nursery school tomorrow - any ideas to help it go smoothly?

14 replies

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 05/01/2009 13:39

I'm worried sick as I've taken him out of the private nursery that he's been at since 11 months to start nursery school as it's a welsh school so he needs to get going on the language.

Any top tips and words of reassurance would be gratefully received!

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Original poster

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 05/01/2009 21:58

oh well, we'll see how it goes then !

OP posts:

aidansyummymummy · 05/01/2009 22:00

the only advice i can give is that children are very adaptable.

One piece of advice is try and be one of the first there cos then he will think everyone else is new and its their first day even if its not if you know what I mean. Its must easier to be one of the first children in the classroom then to walk into a room full of children IYKWIM

MorocconOil · 05/01/2009 22:04

Are they offering a gradual admission? DD starts this week but goes in for 2 hours a day with me. If she settles ok, then I can leave her and sit outside the nursery.

Niecie · 05/01/2009 22:07

Has he visited before?

If he has been before and has met the staff, I wouldn't hang around.

Take him in, help him find where to put his stuff and help him to find something to do. I would sort of hand him over to a member of staff so if he gets upset somebody is there to help immediately. Get one of them to play with him.

Then the tough bit. Say goodbye, give him a hug, say you'll see him later and then go. Don't be drawn into placating him if he starts getting upset. The longer you stay the more upset they get. If you go they get over it quickly (well mostly). The staff have done this dozens of times before so let them guide you too.

Your DS will be fine. You on the other hand...... well, you'll get over it eventually!

Good luck.

Original poster

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 05/01/2009 22:20

Thanks for that. Yes we've been to the school several times before but not specifically to the nursery unit.

Wish I had someone to hold my hand! DH doesn't see what all the fuss is about!

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Niecie · 05/01/2009 22:39

IwishIwas - DH's never do get it ime.

But then they are not often the ones who have to deal with the wailing child or even making the arrangements.

Hark at me, I sound like I have experience of dozens of DHs. Thankfully, only the one but I have extrapolated my experiences!

NogginOfRum · 05/01/2009 23:30

I hope all goes well for your DS tomorrow IwishIwas.

My Ds is also starting school tomorrow and I just don't know what i'm going to do for the 3 hours he is there. Prob spend the whole time worrying if he's having fun, managing to go to the toilet on his own, behaving himself, joining in with the others, and so on.

Can't wait to take a pic of him all dressed up in his new uniform though

BoccaDellaVerita · 05/01/2009 23:38

Excellent advice here already. All I would add is - whatever you may be thinking or feeling - make sure that your words and body language convey that everything is going to be fine and that your son will have a good time.

Noggin - can you try to keep busy during those 3 hours? On the first day of September term, I went for a facial as a fretting-avoidance thing!

Original poster

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 06/01/2009 13:38

Well it wasn't a runaway success but also not a complete disaster so I'll settle for that for the 1st day!

We had a few tears initially but he was very happy when I left him. It sounds like he had a few teary moments but had fun most of the time.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow now!

OP posts:

Niecie · 06/01/2009 14:48

Thats good IwishIwas - I was just wondering how you all got on.

How were you? Did you manage to get through it without tears? I ask that as one who has been known to need a small tissue after such a morning.

luckywinner · 06/01/2009 14:51

I have absolutely no advice but the exact same thing is happening here on Thursday. At 9.10am I will be sobbing into a cup of coffee in the cafe around the corner from the school. I will be thinking of you! If it helps at all my ds is sooo excited about it. He keeps asking if today is the day he can put his new uniform on. Hope it goes well for you and your ds.

NogginOfRum · 06/01/2009 16:38

Phew! Ds's morning was a great success. He went in with no trouble, was very excited to hang his coat and bag on his very own peg, and kissed me goodbye without a second thought.

Only struggle we've had today was trying to get his uniform off him when he came home

I'm pleased it was a success for you and your Ds IwishIwas

Niecie · 06/01/2009 19:30

It is a weight off your shoulders when they go in AND come out happy isn't it Noggin? Glad it went well for you.

My DS2 started in September and DS1 is in Yr 4 and both of them were upset (DS1 was crying too) about going back to school today. Very draining. Hopefully they will be OK tomorrow.

BoccaDellaVerita · 06/01/2009 21:13

I'm glad to hear it's gone well for this week's new school starters.

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