We plan each day around the needs and interests of every individual child, enabling each child to develop at a rate that suits them. However the overall structure and rhythm of the day remains the same, as we know this contributes to a secure environment for children as they will know what to expect and therefore how to behave.
The rooms are set up with the children’s age and stage of development in mind, and the focus will be to enable them to explore, develop, learn and create in a way that is right for them. Our nursery practitioners will ensure that they know each child through talking to parents and playing with them, and plan activities that will engage and interest each child, extend their skills and experience, and of course, make sure they have fun!
Wherever possible, we like to be able to allow children to choose whether they play indoors or outdoors. If the environment does not allow this, the children are given as many opportunities as possible throughout the day to explore and play outdoors.
Morning
Morning starts with the hustle and bustle of arrivals, breakfast is offered to the early birds, and our staff are trained and experienced to settle children into nursery. Staff ensure they know the children in their care, and will encourage them to join in or select an activity or area of play that they particularly enjoy. This is an important time for sharing information about children to ensure that nursery practitioners know how well a child has slept, or whether they have been upset during the morning for any reason.
Drinks and healthy snacks are offered to children during the morning.
Lunch
Lunch is generally around 11.30am. We understand how important it is to eat in family groupings, talking about our meal, and making it a relaxing and enjoyable time for everyone. Our practitioners eat with the children where possible, and parents often comment how they are delighted with the range of healthy meals their child will eat when sitting alongside their friends!
Sleep time
Younger babies will probably need a number of sleeps during the day, and as they get older this will reduce to one sleep, usually after lunch. We will always endeavour to enable a child to sleep when they want to, and will also work with parents to establish a routine that suits the need of the child. We set up our rooms so that babies and children can sleep within the room, we find this to be a benefit, because it means children can sleep when they need to, and we are able to supervise them more easily.
Tea-time
At about 3.30pm the children sit down to tea, although a little lighter than lunch, this meal still consists of a main course and a pudding.
Home-time
When parents arrive to take their children home, the practitioners will make sure they are available to share any information about the children’s day, as well as pass on any important messages.