Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
Early Years CentrePart of Student Services

Settling-in visits

Before your child starts at the centre, we hold three or four settling-in visits. These take place during the week immediately prior to the start date and last one hour each time. The purpose of the visits are to help your child become more familiar with their new surroundings so that they will be more comfortable when they join us.

We ask that only one parent accompanies your child to the visit.

What to Expect

Upon arrival, please come into the entrance foyer, and ring the bell by the reception window.  You will be met at the internal door by a member of our management team, usually our Client Services Supervisor.

The first visit will be held in either the base room for the age group that your son/daughter will be joining, or another quiet area within the centre.  During the visit your child’s new key person will spend time getting to know you and your child and will provide you with details about the centre and the routines within their age group. 

The next three visits will take place with your child and his/her key person in the relevant base room and you will be asked to wait in your car or close by.  Please ensure you have your mobile phone to hand in case we need to ask you to come back at any point for reassurance. We have free parking immediately outside of the Early Years Centre for this purpose.

At the end of the visits, your child’s new key person who will update you as to how the visit has gone. 

We will ensure that your child feels relaxed and has a happy time during their visits.  Where necessary, we can arrange additional visits if we believe that your child needs a little more time to adjust.  This will be discussed with you during the third or fourth settling in visits.

What to Bring

Privacy Settings