It’s very common for young children to feel unsettled when they first start nursery — and for parents to feel the same. If your child is crying at nursery drop-off or showing signs of clinginess, you’re not alone. These reactions are a normal part of early childhood development and often reflect a healthy attachment.
At Little Ferns Nursery Wendover, we’re often asked about separation anxiety in nursery settings — what’s typical, how long it lasts, and how we support children through it.
Here’s what to expect, and how we help.
Why does separation anxiety happen?
Separation anxiety is a completely natural response in babies and toddlers. It tends to peak between 9–18 months but can appear at any age, especially during transitions or big changes. Starting nursery is a major shift in routine and environment, and it’s normal for children to need time to adjust.
How long does it last?
Every child is different. Some may settle within a few days, while others need a little longer. What matters most is consistency, patience, and a supportive nursery settling period that helps build trust and confidence over time.
At Little Ferns Nursery Wendover, we work closely with families to plan a settling-in approach that suits each child’s individual needs — with shorter sessions at first and your child’s key person always on hand to offer reassurance and comfort.
What helps children feel secure?
During the nursery settling period, we focus on relationships. Each child is assigned a key person who builds a close connection through gentle routines, warm interactions and one-to-one time.
If your child is crying at nursery, our staff are trained to respond with empathy, calm reassurance and thoughtful distraction — never rushing the process or forcing separation.
How do we support parents?
We understand that separation anxiety at nursery can affect parents just as much as children. We’ll always keep you updated, let you know how your child is doing, and share photos or messages via our EY app.
Supporting families is part of our role — and we work in partnership with you every step of the way.
Building emotional resilience
Over time, we often see children who initially struggled with separation become confident, curious, and happy to wave goodbye. That’s the power of consistent, sensitive care and strong nursery emotional support. When children feel safe, understood and valued, they thrive.
If you’re exploring nurseries in Wendover and wondering how your child will cope, we’d love to talk through our approach and answer any questions. The team at Little Ferns Nursery Wendover are here to support your family — from the very first day onwards.