Starting Nursery

Everyone at nursery is really looking forward to welcoming you and your child to our setting.  We are sure that you will have some questions about your child joining our nursery and hopefully the following information will address them.

Starting Nursery

We will make arrangements for you and your child to visit our nursery, complete an induction and meet some of the team. The induction dates will be emailed to you.  They are allocated in chronological order.

• You will be invited into the nursery building and garden during your induction wellbeing meeting.

• This first induction meeting lasts one hour.  Your child is welcome to sit with you as you discuss your completed ‘All About Me’ document with one of our practitioners.  If they are feeling more confident, they are welcome to explore their new environment.

• We recommend a phased induction process for our new children.  We take this slowly to ensure that each child feels safe and has the opportunity to build a relationship with their key worker and other children in the nursery.  We recommend the following routine to support your child’s transition to nursery:

1. First day: 1 hour induction visit (time and date is emailed)

2. Second day: 2 hour visit 09:30-11:30

3. Third day: 09:15-13:30. This allows your child to experience the lunchtime routine

4. Fourth day stay all day if you and your child are ready

• Each child will take their own time to settle in the new environment.  The nursery team will work in partnership with you to ensure that the settling period goes as smoothly as possible to meet the individual needs of your child.  We take this slowly to ensure that each child feels safe and has the opportunity to build a relationship with their key worker and other children and adults in the nursery.

Attendance Calendar

Please refer to the 1140 48 week calendar which is contained within the Nursery Handbook or it can be found here:

https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/downloads/file/35009/full_year_nursery_dates_2025-26_2_day_model

Start/Finish Times

The nursery day runs from 08:15-17:45 and you will have been offered a Monday-Tuesday-Friday or a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday place.  Please note that the Friday sessions do not always follow the same pattern.

Drop-off arrangements

• Drop-off times are between 08:15 and 09:00.

• Please wait to be welcomed by a member of the team.

• Register your child when you go inside to the cloakroom.

Pick-up arrangements

• Our children are collected at 15:05-15:25, 16:45-17:00 or 17:30-17:45

• If you have made arrangements for another adult to collect your child, please let a member of staff know in advance.

• In an emergency situation, call Law P.S. office to advise of the change of plan.

What should your child bring to nursery?

• Please bring a small named bag with a named change of clothes (top, trousers, tights, socks, pants etc.).  This bag stays in the nursery building and will only go home if clothes are wet, mucky or soiled.

• Please do not bring anything else as all toys and equipment will be provided.

• Dress appropriately for outdoor play - named waterproofs, wellies, coat, gloves and a hat etc.

• Apply sun cream before arriving at nursery on sunny days.  We can apply more throughout the day as necessary.  Remember to provide a named sun hat too for the warmer weather.

• We have a stock of waterproofs and wellies if your child needs them to enjoy playing outside in cold or wet weather.

Medication

If your child has been prescribed any medication, has dietary requirements or has allergies or health conditions, please mention this at the induction wellbeing meeting.  We can discuss this with you and issue the appropriate forms.

Key Worker Groups

• We have six colour groups per cohort and each has a mixture of pre-school and ante pre-school children.

• Our nursery staff have very strong working relationships both with other adults and with children.

• Please be assured that staff will nurture and care for your child. They are be able to cuddle and comfort children where appropriate.

Lunch & Snack

• Your child can be provided with a free school lunch.  This can be ordered through your ‘SchoolPay’ account in advance.  The menu varies each day.

• A link to ‘SchoolPay' will be shared with you once your child is enrolled in our school.

• Alternatively you may wish to send a named packed lunch from home.  Only put in what you expect your child to eat rather than different choices.  Adults will encourage the children to eat what is in their packed lunch.  Please ensure there are no nuts or products containing nuts in your child’s lunch.

• A morning and an afternoon snack with milk or water will also be offered.  We cater for children with food allergies and intolerances.  Please share this information at induction.

Who to contact

If you have any further questions or would like to speak to a member of staff please don’t hesitate to get in touch – nurseryadmin@law.elcschool.org.uk or 01620 893775 (Nursery)

‘All About Me’

See the ‘All About Me’ booklet below.  This should be completed in advance of your induction meeting.  Please bring a copy to share with the member of the nursery team.  If you would like a paper copy, one can be collected from Nursery or the Law Primary School office.

I look forward to meeting your family as you start the next part of your child’s learning journey.

With very best wishes

Mrs Ailsa Swinburne

Depute Head Teacher, Early Years