Settling-in sessions
Short visits before your child starts, building up from an hour with you to a few hours on their own
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
Most nurseries ask new children to come for a few short sessions over one or two weeks before their first full day. Usually you stay for the first visit, then leave for gradually longer periods while your child gets to know their key person, the room and the routine. Some nurseries include these sessions in the fees, some charge for them, and some count them as part of your first month. Ask how many sessions they recommend, what they charge and how they handle a child who finds it hard. See our settling-in guide.