What to pack for your
child's first nursery day

The essentials ✅

• Nappies (if not yet toilet trained) — bring enough for the full session plus a spare or two
• Nappy bags & wipes — a good supply; we prefer parents provide their own
• At least two changes of clothes — messy play, painting and water activities are part of the fun. Expect laundry.
• Named water bottle — we encourage children to stay hydrated throughout the day
• Any prescribed medication — in original packaging, with a signed consent form from our office
• Sun cream (summer) — applied before drop-off on sunny days; we'll reapply if needed
• Wellies (wet/cold days) — useful for outdoor play; can stay at nursery

Comfort items 🧸

We actively encourage comfort items during the settling-in period — and beyond, for as long as your child needs them. A familiar toy, blanket or dummy can make a big difference to how secure your child feels in a new environment.

• Soft toy or favourite teddy
• Dummy or soother (kept in a named pot)
• Comfort blanket or muslin
• A family photo (can be kept in their bag or on display)

Please label comfort items clearly. We take great care of them, but things do go on adventures.

Label everything 🏷️

This cannot be stressed enough. At nursery, items can end up in the wrong bag or on the wrong peg. Label every single item that comes into nursery — clothing, shoes, bags, bottles, nappy packets, comfort items, everything.

Iron-on labels, stick-on labels or even a permanent marker on a white fabric label all work well. Name, not just initials.

What about food? 🍽️

At Just Little Kidz, we provide all meals and snacks — breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and tea. You do not need to send a packed lunch or snacks; just a labelled water bottle. Our kitchen team prepares fresh, balanced meals throughout the day, and menus are varied, seasonal and cater for all dietary requirements.

Parents using paid sessions or additional hours: all meals and snacks during your child's session are included in the daily fee — nothing extra to pay.

Parents using government funded hours only: a small consumable charge applies for any meals or snacks taken during funded sessions (Breakfast £2 · Snack £2 · Lunch £4.50 · Tea £4). This covers ingredients and preparation only and is not a charge for the funded hours themselves.

Please let us know of any allergies, intolerances or dietary preferences at registration — before your child's first day.

What NOT to bring ✗

• Food, snacks or milk from home — we provide all meals and snacks. Outside food creates allergy and cross-contamination risks for other children.
• Sweets, chocolate or sugary treats — including birthday treats unless agreed in advance with the manager.
• Toys from home (other than one small comfort item) — small items can be lost, cause upset between children or be a choking hazard.
• Jewellery — including earrings, necklaces and bracelets; small items are a choking hazard and can get caught during play.
• Hair clips, slides or beads that could come loose, especially for under-2s.
• Electronic devices or tablets — phones, smartwatches and tablets stay at home. Our time is for active, imaginative and social play.
• Open-toe shoes, flip-flops or backless sandals — not safe for active play, climbing or outdoor exploration.
• Expensive or new clothing — art, messy play and outdoor mud are non-negotiable. Please dress your child for adventure.
• Medication without a signed medication form — if your child needs prescribed medicine, hand it directly to a member of staff and complete the form on arrival.
• Nuts, sesame or other allergens in any form (snacks, lip balm, sun cream) — we are a nut-aware setting.

On the day: a few tips 💛

The first few drop-offs can feel hard — for parents at least as much as children. Here are a few things that help:

• Keep goodbyes short and positive. A long, drawn-out goodbye signals anxiety to your child. Say it, mean it, and go.
• Trust us to settle them. Children often stop crying within minutes of a parent leaving. The room team will send you an update.
• Arrive on time. Rushed mornings make settling harder. Build a little buffer into your routine.
• Talk about nursery positively at home — even simple things like "your friend at nursery" or "what you painted today" help build a positive association.

Read our full settling-in guide for more →

Come and see us first

A tour is the best way to know what to expect. You'll see the rooms, meet the team and get any outstanding questions answered before the big day.

Book a Tour →