Starting nursery is a big moment for your child and for you. This page walks you through what to expect, from accepting a place through to your child's first weeks at Pine Class.

After You Accept a Place

Once your place is confirmed, you'll receive a welcome email with important information about the term ahead. We'll also invite you to our Nursery welcome evening in the summer term, where you'll meet Mr Swindale and the Pine Class team, hear about our approach to learning, and have the chance to ask any questions.

Stay-and-Play Sessions

Before your child starts in September, we hold stay-and-play sessions in June. These relaxed sessions give your child the chance to explore Pine Class while you're there with them: trying out the art room, investigating our study boxes, playing in the garden, and meeting other families who'll be starting together.

You can bring up to two adults, and we ask that you stay with your child throughout the session.

Once you know your child has a place, you can book a session by calling the school office on 0117 377 3290.

Our Settling-In Process

Every child settles at their own pace. Our phased approach gives them the time and support they need to feel comfortable and happy.

How Settling In Works

In the first two weeks of term, we split Pine Class into two smaller groups that attend on alternating days. This means your child starts in a calmer, less overwhelming environment, with more attention from the team.

• Week 1: Your child attends either two or three days, depending on their group
• Week 2: They attend the remaining days, so everyone has had five days by the end of week two
• Week 3 onwards: Your child attends their full sessions

You'll receive a letter confirming your child's group and their days before term starts.

If your child needs more time to settle, we can work with you to extend this gradual process. The most important thing is that they feel happy, secure, and ready to learn and play.

What to Bring

Every Day

• A bag with a change of clothes (including at least one change of underwear and socks)
• A water bottle so your child always has access to water
• A packed lunch if your child is staying for a full day (remember: we're a nut-free setting)
• Weather-appropriate clothing so children can freely play outside in any weather. For example, wellies and gloves when it’s wet and cold, and sunscreen and sunhats on hot, sunny days

We provide all art materials, learning resources, and outdoor equipment.

Please label everything with your child's name. Clothes often get left behind, and we have a lot of very similar water bottles!

Getting Ready for Nursery

Practical Skills

We encourage all children to be as independent as possible with self-care by the time they join us in September. This includes:

Toilet training: We strongly encourage toilet training before starting nursery. We understand that every child's journey is different, and we'll always support you and your child along the way.

If you need advice, the ERIC website has excellent resources for families.

Getting dressed: Being able to put on their coat, shoes, and pull up trousers helps children feel confident and independent at nursery.

Communicating needs: Helping your child express when they need the toilet, feel hungry, or need help makes the transition to nursery much easier for them.

Common Questions

What if my child gets upset at drop-off? 

Separation can be difficult, especially in the first few weeks. We've supported many families through this. Our approach is to:

• Keep goodbyes short and positive
• Reassure you that we'll contact you if your child remains distressed

Most children settle within minutes of their parents leaving. If your child is finding it particularly hard, we'll work with you to find strategies that help.

What happens if my child has an accident?

Accidents are a normal part of childhood. We'll help your child get changed using the spare clothes in their bag, and we'll let you know at pick-up.

Can I stay with my child at nursery?

During stay-and-play sessions, yes! But once term starts, our experience shows that children settle better when parents say goodbye at the door, or after a short settling-in period in the classroom or garden.

If you're worried about separation, please come and talk to us. We've helped many families through it.

How will I know how my child's day has gone?

We use Tapestry to share photos, observations, and updates about your child's learning. You'll receive your Tapestry login details once term starts.

We're also always happy to chat about how the day has gone at pick-up, or at drop-off if you have any other questions or concerns.

Looking Ahead: Moving to Reception

Children who attend Pine Class benefit from familiar faces, spaces, and routines as they move into Reception. In the summer term before they start school, we take the children to visit their Reception classrooms, giving them the opportunity to explore their new setting and meet their new teachers.

We share detailed information about each child's learning, development, and friendships with the Reception team to ensure a smooth transition.

Important: A Nursery place doesn't automatically guarantee a Reception place at our school. You'll need to apply separately through Bristol City Council when reception applications open (usually in the autumn term before your child is due to start school). You can find more information on our Applying for Our School page.

Need more help?

If you have other questions, please contact our school office at seftonpark@bristol-schools.uk or call 0117 377 3290. We're here to help make starting nursery as smooth as possible for you and your child.