Ask the Expert: Nursery transitions

Some parents are worried about their children’s move from the baby unit into the class for three-year-olds. How can we reassure them?

Many parents will have formed strong bonds with staff and other parents and the baby unit can be smaller, cosier and more homely. By contrast, areas for over-threes can be busier and noisier. Leaving the familiar can be unsettling, so encourage parents by asking them to be actively involved in their child’s transition.

Begin by reassuring them that the transition will be decided with them and take account of the child’s age, ability and individual needs. Just getting to age three will not be the deciding factor to move them.

Introduce the parents to the new key person and reassure them that the child will be gradually introduced to the new room and will be given an older child as a “buddy”.

Ask the child’s current key person to involve the parents in the preparation for the change. If parents cope well with the transition, then so will the child.

Answered by June O’Sullivan, chief executive of the childcare charity and social enterprise, the London Early Years Foundation