Parent Guide
Everything You Need to Know
Starting nursery naturally comes with questions — from what to pack on the first day to what happens if your child is unwell.
We've brought together some of the things families most commonly want to know, helping you understand everyday life at Jigsaw and what to expect as your child begins their nursery journey.
And if you can't find the answer you're looking for, just ask. Our team will be happy to help.
Ready For What Comes Next
School Readiness is About More Than ABCs
Knowing letters and numbers matters, but being ready for school involves much more. We want children to approach their next chapter with confidence, curiosity and a growing ability to navigate the world around them.
Starting Somewhere New
A Gentle Beginning
Starting nursery is a big change. New surroundings, new people and new routines can take time to become familiar.
Before your child starts, we'll want to get to know the person behind the name — their routines, interests, communication, comfort, important relationships and anything else that will help us understand them.
Some children settle quickly. Others need more time.
Our aim isn't to rush that process, but to help children gradually build the relationships and familiarity that allow them to feel secure.
Good To Know
Settling In
Before starting nursery, we'll gather important information about your child, including their routines, interests, needs and anything that may help us make their transition more comfortable.
Yes, We offer settling in sessions at both of our sites. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
Becoming upset at separation can be a normal response to somewhere new. Familiar practitioners will offer comfort and reassurance while helping your child gradually build confidence in their new environment.
That's okay. Children respond differently to change, and we'll work with you to consider what may help your child feel increasingly secure.
Someone They Know
Your Child's Key Person
The key-person approach helps children develop a familiar relationship with a practitioner who gets to know them particularly well.
They learn about your child's personality, routines, interests, communication and development and provide an important connection between nursery and home.
Health & Wellbeing
When Your Child Isn't Feeling Well
Children inevitably become unwell from time to time. Clear communication between nursery and home helps us protect children's wellbeing and reduce the spread of illness within the nursery community.
If your child is unwell or unable to attend nursery, please let us know.
Children may need to remain away from nursery when they have certain illnesses, symptoms or infectious conditions.
If a child becomes unwell while at Jigsaw, their wellbeing will be assessed and parents/carers contacted where appropriate.
Accidents and incidents are recorded and communicated with parents/carers in accordance with nursery procedures.
Famly can also form part of how relevant information is recorded and communicated.
Yes, with parental consent. This must be discussed before your child starts their place at one of our nurseries.
Please tell us about allergies, medical conditions and relevant individual healthcare needs before your child starts and whenever anything changes.
We'll discuss the appropriate arrangements with you.
Dressed For Adventure
Nursery Clothes Are Made to Get Messy
Paint happens. Water gets poured. Mud gets discovered. Lunch occasionally misses its intended destination.
We want children to become involved in nursery experiences without worrying about keeping their clothes pristine.
Comfortable clothing that allows children to move freely — along with spare clothes for those particularly enthusiastic adventures — is usually the best choice.
Save the best outfit for somewhere other than nursery.
Arriving & Going Home
Keeping Arrivals & Collections Safe
Children can only be collected by authorised people noted by parents or carers.
Please communicate changes to collection arrangements with the nursery before collection. We will not allow children to leave without this authorisation.
Please contact the nursery as soon as possible if you're unexpectedly delayed.
Practitioners are available to welcome children and receive any important information that may affect their day.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Jigsaw provides early-years childcare from 0 - 5 years old
Yes. Eligible families can access funded childcare at Jigsaw subject to availability and the applicable funding requirements.
Absolutely. In fact, we'd encourage it. Visiting gives you an opportunity to see the nursery, meet some of our team and ask the questions that matter to your family.
Please contact us and a memeber fo our team will walk you through the process.
Tell us. Changes at home — from sleep and feeding to family circumstances — can sometimes affect children's nursery day, and communication helps us respond appropriately.
Communication between nursery and home helps families remain connected, with Famly used as part of Jigsaw's communication with parents.
We work with families to understand children's allergies and dietary requirements. Specific needs should be discussed with the nursery before your child starts.
We encourage parents to speak with the nursery team so concerns can be understood and addressed. Our formal complaints procedure will also be available within our policies.
Contact details for Earlsdon and City Centre are available on their individual nursery pages and our Contact page. You can also find contact information on Google and other web browsers.
Our current private fees, funded attendance patterns and additional funded-service charges are available on the Fees & Funding page.
Still Have A Question?
Have A Question?
Every family's circumstances are different. If there's something you haven't found in our Parent Guide, get in touch and a member of the Jigsaw team will be happy to help.
