A guide for parents
Nursery and the early years
01
Start with your child’s needs
A nursery or early-years setting needs practical information about your child rather than just the name of a diagnosis. Children’s Heart Federation signposts information on nursery care and healthcare planning. Ask your heart team what the setting should know about feeding, medicines, tiredness or symptoms, and which parts of the day do not need special arrangements.
02
What happens next
Plan together
Talk with nursery staff before the first day. Discuss the daily routine, who to contact, medicines and any feeding equipment. Agree what staff should do if your child becomes unwell. Ask the team to clarify individual activity or infection advice rather than using another family’s rules. Consider who will keep the plan current after appointments or treatment.
Help your child belong
Tell staff about favourite play, comfort and communication as well as medical needs. Ask how they can support rest without excluding your child from friends. Agree what information may be shared with other parents and children. A simple explanation such as “my heart works differently and sometimes I need a break” may be enough, if your child wants one.
Check how the setting handles absences and returning after hospital stays. After your child has had time to settle in, ask what is working and what needs changing. Make time to discuss worries about leaving your child with someone else, trust and everyday care, as well as the written medical plan.
03
Questions to ask
Save the questions you want to take to your next appointment. You can edit them in your Journal.
- What should nursery include in our child’s care plan, and can the team help us explain it clearly?
- Who will give medicines or feeding support during the day, and what training or written instructions will they need?
- How can nursery make space for both rest and play while helping our child join in with other children?
Sources and review
Sources checked 9 October 2026. Independent clinical review pending.
- Children’s Heart Federation: Caring for heart children
Accessed 9 October 2026
- Little Hearts Matter: Education resources
Accessed 9 October 2026