Starting nursery with Down syndrome: tips from parents

Starting nursery is a big milestone for any family. For parents of children with Down syndrome, it can bring a mix of excitement, hope and understandable worries, from finding the right setting to feeling confident your child will be supported and included. 

So we asked families in our community to share their experiences of those early nursery days – what helped, what they wish they’d known, and the small things that made a difference. 

Here’s what they told us.

1. Look for warmth,inclusion and a positive attitude 

Many parents said the biggest deciding factor wasn’t facilities or location, it was how the setting responded to their child. 

“I rang four different nurseries… three ummed and tutted and huffed over the phone, and one said ‘We can’t wait to meet her.’ That was decision made for us.” 

“I remember calling them after her diagnosis and asking if they would still take her. They said, ‘Of course, we are so excited to meet her.’ It’s a good feeling and indication that they have a positive attitude to inclusion.” 

Families described the reassurance of knowing their child was welcomed and valued from the very start.

2. Visit,observe and trust your instincts 

Seeing settings in person helped parents gauge how comfortable and confident they felt. 

“I went to view several different settings… the reactions from the staff when I told them about Down syndrome told me everything I needed to know.” 

“We went with a nursery that didn’t even flinch at the mention of Down syndrome – they immediately introduced me to their SENCO.” 

Parents often found that their instincts about staff attitudes and openness were the most reliable guide.

3. Communication and collaboration make a huge difference

Strong day-to-day communication helped families feel reassured and involved. 

“The nursery has an app so communication is great – I get feedback at drop-off and have it again at pick-up.” 

“Link them in with DSUK. Email regularly with updates – physio would like us all to work on X, we’re trying X, Y, Z foods now.” 

Parents valued settings that worked in partnership, shared information and were open to learning alongside them.

4. Extra settling-in and SEND awareness can build confidence

Flexible settling and SEND understanding helped both children and parents adjust. 

“Our nursery offered extra settling sessions because Joyce had a SEND need – but really it helped me feel confident in them looking after her.” 

“They had a calm space in case she was overwhelmed and an experienced SENCO in place.” 

Knowing staff understood developmental differences and would adapt support gave families reassurance.

5. Stay involved and advocate for your child

Many parents highlighted the importance of staying closely involved in planning and support. 

“Stay involved – target setting, development reviews, inclusive funding applications. Ensure all staff are Makaton trained, not just a few.” 

 “A good nursery will learn and adapt to what your child needs – don’t accept less than their 100% support.” 

Parents emphasised that partnership and advocacy help ensure children receive the support they need to thrive.

6. Be prepared for the practical realities

 Alongside positives, families shared honest reflections about challenges. 

“The bugs… I wish I’d known how little time she would spend at nursery early on because of sickness.” 

“Managing appointments alongside nursery and work can be really tricky.” 

Knowing these realities in advance helped parents feel less alone when challenges arose. 

Starting nursery can feel daunting, but many families told us that with the right setting and support, it becomes a positive and confidence-building experience – for both child and parent. 

You’re not alone in navigating these early steps. Our community is full of families sharing, learning and supporting one another every day. 

If you have experiences or tips about starting nursery (or anything else!), join the conversation in our private Facebook groups, where every Tuesday we invite parents to share in our Top Tips Tuesday post. 

💛 Your insight could be exactly what another family needs to hear.