I let the mother stay for an hour the first day and a very short time thereafter depending on how the child is fitting in. I had a really bad problem with a little girl who was having separation anxiety from her Mom and I let her stay extra because she was still on mat leave and I really can't say if that helped or not because this little girl took a couple of months to feel at home.

But I always start the children on short full days, usually from 9-3:30 if possible and 1 day the first week, 2 days the second week, 3 days the next week and so on. I want the child to start full days so they become accustomed to the full day routine.