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My sons first day at a mainstream nursery today

5 replies

L0ts · 15/09/2022 07:33

I am terrified for him, okay maybe not terrified but I’m certainly anxious. I know I sound ridiculous but he has a speech and communication delay and doesn’t understand simple instructions. So this is why I’m a little worried about it. He absolutely will not cooperate if they want him to line up or sit down at circle time.

The nursery are all very aware of these things as we’ve had phone calls with them and he had an hour stay and play session last week where we had chance to speak to them even more. At this session he did great, but didn’t want to leave because he was enjoying playing too much and of course he doesn’t understand why or that he will be back and cried.

He speaks, it’s just mostly his own little language or singing, he absolutely loves singing nursery rhymes whenever and wherever. He will copy what you say occasionally but it’s very rare he will use those words on his own. He hasn’t been diagnosed with ASD yet but we are very much on our way there, it’s just taking a very long time.

Anyway, any words of support?

OP posts:
SunshineClouds1 · 15/09/2022 09:25

It's so hard isn't it! The worry is awful.

Was he in nursery prior?

My sons still in private so can't comment on state nurseries but we are also waiting for a diagnosis.

It's great that he did well in his first session and wanted to stay. That is a massive step.

If they didn't think they could help him and see to his needs they wouldn't take him on.

Can you ring shortly and see how he's getting on?

I was also worried my son wouldn't participate in somethings, the same as yours really, sitting down for a story etc. but he's done it, sometimes he'll wander off and play with something but they just let him incase he needs some quiet time to himself.

L0ts · 15/09/2022 09:42

@SunshineClouds1 Thank you so much for your comment!

It really is such a worrying time isn’t it? A lot of people don’t understand it but it’s nice when someone totally gets it.

He has never been in a nursery setting before no, I didn’t mention his age sorry he’s just over 3 years old. He has stayed with family members and close friends for a few hours before but nothing like this.

I dropped him off about an hour a go and he was that happy and excited to get in he tried to squeeze through the bars of the gate whilst waiting for the teacher to open it! 😂 He is only there for 3 hours each morning Monday to Friday so I pick him up just before 12, I already can’t wait.

I am considering ringing around 10:30 to ask how he’s getting on and if he’s okay, seeing it as good news that they at least haven’t called me!

OP posts:
SunshineClouds1 · 15/09/2022 09:48

It is, I felt ill for the first week!

Awr did he! See that is massive! I bet you felt so happy.
Don't worry if there is abit of a blip and he cry's sometimes, because I can guarantee once he's in there he'll be happy as Larry.

I would deffo ring to give yourself some peace of mind, it's just a little check in. They would rather you ring than sit and worry.

Nursery has done wonders for my son, he has came on so much. You will start to see a difference in afew month💙

L0ts · 15/09/2022 12:40

@SunshineClouds1 Well I decided against calling, just in case I was told something that made me even more anxious. But he’s home now and all went well by the sounds of it 🙂 In fact, once again he didn’t want to leave and went to try and get back through the doors. I’m hoping that as the days go on he will learn he gets to go back and doesn’t appear so upset with coming home 😂

She did ask if we could pick him up 20 minutes earlier, not too sure why, wish I’d asked but I was just so focused on getting him happy and home. She said he wasn’t interested in snack time, which she expected as we had told them he doesn’t snack really at home. Said they’d had to pick him up a few times, again didn’t say why but I’m assuming it was to possibly try and get him involved in group activities which he apparently wasn’t interested in.

Did your son take a while to want to participate with sitting down at story time etc? I’m really hoping this comes in time!

OP posts:
SunshineClouds1 · 15/09/2022 13:04

He's done so well!

20 mins earlier may be just to help get him out smoother without trying to dash back in if everyone is trying to leave at the same time.
I also pick my son up earlier than everyone else.

I wouldn't say it took ages tbh, he will soon realise and copy off the others.
There's still times now my son decides to take himself off.

Sounds like he's doing well

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