Nursery Essentials Checklist

Congratulations on this exciting milestone as your child begins their journey into nursery. Starting nursery is a significant step in your child's early development. Preparing for nursery is an essential aspect of ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your child. We understand that starting a nursery can feel overwhelming, which is why we've created this nursery essentials checklist to make the preparation process easier and more efficient for you.

Firstly, every nursery may have different policies and procedures regarding what items they provide or prohibit. At Fennies we offer a settling-in period, which serves as an invaluable opportunity to discuss specific nursery requirements. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to discuss any specific requirements with our teams and gain valuable insights into our practices and expectations. During your first settle with us you will receive your very own welcome box full of exciting resources - including a nursery bag for your child and a water bottle!

Top Tip! It's advisable to inquire about any tailored lists or guides during the initial tour of the nursery!

Nursery Bag Checklist - What to Pack in your child’s nursery bag:

• Spare Clothing: It's recommended to pack 2-3sets of comfortable clothing such as leggings, joggers, or tracksuits for your child. Ensure that the clothing is suitable for the weather conditions and allows for freedom of movement, enabling your child to engage comfortably in various activities throughout the day
  
  • ‍Top Tip! Labelling your child's personal items is essential to ensure they are easily identifiable and prevent any mix-ups or loss. By labelling your child's belongings clearly, you can help the nursery staff and your child identify and retrieve their items easily, especially for the older children to encourage fostering a sense of independence and responsibility.

• Nappy Creams: It's essential to consult the nursery about their specific policy regarding their usage. Be sure to steer clear of creams containing nut content, like Bepanthen, if they're not permitted by the nursery.
• Outdoor Waterproof Clothing: For colder weather, snowsuits are highly recommended, particularly for non-mobile babies, to ensure they stay warm and comfortable outdoors. Additionally, providing waterproof jackets, trousers, and boots is essential to keep your child dry and protected while they engage in outdoor play activities.
• Sun Protection: It's important to equip your child with sun protection essentials, including sun hats to shield their head and face from the sun's rays. Additionally, ensure you have sunscreen suitable for your child's skin type, particularly if they have sensitivities not accommodated by the nursery-provided sunscreen.
• Comforters: If your child requires comfort items for security and reassurance, it's advisable to pack 2-3 of their preferred items such as blankets, soft toys, or pacifiers. These familiar objects can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity in a new environment.Additionally, remember to check whether the nursery provides bedding, ensuring your child has a comfortable and familiar sleeping arrangement during their time at the nursery. Fennies, do provide all children with age appropriate bedding that is replenished regularly by our in house laundry service.
• Medications or medical supplies: If your child requires medication and medical supplies at nursery, please hand these to theNursery Manager with clear instructions, it is important to  ask your nursery what documentation is required around this often all medication will need to be prescribed and a care plan/training will be needed.  

Other essentials that you may need to pack in your child’s nursery bag if your child’s nursery doesn’t provide these things are nappies and wipes, bottles, formula, or expressed breast milk if applicable, as well as snacks and drinks.

To note! At Fennies, we provide nappies, wipes and sun protection. We take great pride in offering a comprehensive and nutritious food program designed to support the health and well-being of our children. All of our nurseries have onsite kitchens where our talented chefs and kitchen assistants craft three delicious and balanced meals each day.

The children at Fennies are provided with a hearty breakfast, two snacks and an afternoon tea. Our menus are carefully curated to provide essential nutrients and cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. We understand the importance of managing allergies and dietary restrictions, which is why our team diligently follows stringent protocols to ensure the safety of all children. By implementing our traffic light plating system,  strict cross-contamination measures, and working closely with parents to understand their children's specific needs, we create a safe and inclusive mealtime experience for our children.

Additionally, to maintain consistency and safety standards, we kindly request that parents refrain from bringing in outside food items. Our commitment to providing a nourishing environment extends to drinks with water and milk offered throughout the day to keep our little ones hydrated and healthy.

We believe that good nutrition is the foundation for happy, thriving children, and we are dedicated to fostering healthy eating habits from an early age To further emphasise our commitment to ensuring children receive optimal nutrition, Fennies has established partnerships with the Early Years Nutrition Partnership (EYNP). Through these collaborations, we diligently work to ensure that our children receive the essential nutrients necessary for their growth and development.

For a smooth nursery experience, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with your nursery's guidelines on what to include in your child's nursery bag. It is also important to maintain a regular check on supplies to ensure your child's ongoing comfort and well-being during their time at nursery.

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