For a parent, it is a day filled with emotion. That little bundle of joy that has pretty much been joined at your hip since day one is starting pre-school.
It is a moment that thousands of parents across the North East will experience this month. As a mum myself, I know how it feels. It is an emotional rollercoaster: pride, anxiety, excitement – and that’s just the first drop-off.
But if your child is starting in early years this September, take my word – your feelings are valid.
I launched The Montessori People largely because I wasn’t too chuffed with the quality of provision available for my own children.
As a parent, you want to know those you love most are in safe hands.
That’s totally natural.
When I visited pre-schools at the time, I just couldn’t be sure that was the case.
So from that, The Montessori People was born, and I’m proud to say we’ve grown into the North East’s largest independent nursery.
The reason, I hope anyway, is because our families know that we genuinely put our people before profit.
Our team – and our families – our firmly at the heart of every little thing we do.
And we also invest in our people, with regular training and opportunities to develop their careers – with many currently studying in higher education.
Why? Because the better supported and more knowledgeable our staff are, the better the experience is for our children.
And because we care, our staff retention rates are unmatched.
Put simply, our staff don’t leave – and that familiar face on the drop-off is everything to our children and families.
But if you are preparing to start those mad morning drop-off dashes for the first time, your brain will be flooded with questions.
What will it be like? What if I miss them? Are they safe?
Again, all natural – all normal.
But there are easy steps you can take to make life calmer – and that transition that bit smoother.
Firstly, use the settling-in sessions. They aren’t just for your child – they’re for you too.
They give your little one the chance to get to know the environment and the people who will care for them, while giving you a chance to start building that trust.
And know the key staff looking after your child.
Find out who the room leader is, who their key person is and make a point of getting to know them.
Ask questions. Build that relationship.
You absolutely need to feel comfortable leaving your child there, and remember – there are no daft questions when it comes to your own child.
Come prepared, too.
Have everything they might need for the day – nappies, bottles, comforters, spare clothes.
It may sound painfully obvious, but being organised can take one little worry off your plate.
Then comes the big one: keep positive.
Children pick up on our emotions. They are not daft.
If you’re anxious and upset at drop-off, chances are they’ll feel that too.
Keep the goodbye warm but don’t drag it out. A cuddle, a kiss, a ‘see you later’ – and go.
And finally, check the child-to-staff ratio and don’t be afraid to call.
In those first crucial few days, you might need that reassurance.
We all worry. I certainly did.
A good nursery should understand that.
Because starting pre-school isn’t just a big moment for your child.
It’s a big moment for you too.
For more information, visit themontessoripeople.co.uk