Starting at Mama Bear's.
Everything you'll want to know between accepting a place and the first full day, and the practical things that come up after. Short, because you're busy.
Before the first day
Arrange registration
Ask your nursery for its registration process and the information needed before your child starts.
Sort funding
If you're claiming funded hours, get your code from Best Start in Life before the term starts and send it to us. How funding works.
Plan settling in
Discuss settling-in visits with the nursery and agree what will help your child become familiar with the room and team.
The first day
Agree arrival and collection arrangements with your nursery and ask what to bring.
Hours and sessions
Opening hours and available sessions vary by nursery. Check your nursery page and confirm the dates, bank holidays and any closures that apply to your booking.
Available sessions depend on the nursery. Use the full session information and confirm the times that apply to your booking.
The practical things
What to bring
Ask your nursery what to bring for your child's sessions, including spare clothes, outdoor clothing, comfort items and any nappies or care supplies. Label your child's belongings.
Babies and milk
Discuss your baby's feeding routine with the nursery before starting. Ask how to supply, label and store breast milk or formula, and agree weaning arrangements with the team.
Security at the door
Agree arrival and collection arrangements with your nursery, including who may collect your child and how to tell the team about a change. Keep your emergency contact details up to date.
If your child is unwell
Contact your nursery before attending if your child is unwell. Ask for the current illness and exclusion policy, including when your child can return and what happens if they become unwell during the day.
Medication
Tell the nursery about medicines, allergies and any care plan your child needs. Ask for the current medication policy and consent requirements before bringing medicine to nursery.
Accidents
Ask your nursery how accidents and incidents are recorded and shared with parents, and how the team will contact you in an emergency.
Daily updates
Ask your child's key person how the nursery shares updates about meals, sleep, care and activities, and how you can share information from home.
Changing or ending your place
Check the terms for your nursery and booking before changing sessions or ending a place. Ask the manager to confirm the notice period and any flexi-care arrangements that apply.
Ready to register?
Contact your nursery to discuss registration, availability and the next steps.