The Learning Experience
A day in the nursery setting
We operate an agile approach to supporting development, around a core time structure.
Children are encouraged and supported to select their own activities from the range on offer. The morning starts with breakfast between 7.30 – 9.00 am. Afterwards, when the children have settled and met their friends, there is a circle time for the older children to share news and information with their dedicated staff member. They will be encouraged to take turns in speaking and listening and can contribute to the discussion.
During each session children can access both indoor and outdoor activities. There is also free flow time which provides opportunities for all children to choose their own activities. There will also be one-to-one or small group focussed learning experiences led by a key person.
Sample of our daily routine
| 07.15-07.30 | First attending practitioner risk assesses the premises and sets up room one and two.
Second attending practitioner sets up room three and prepares the breakfast area |
| 07.30-09.00 | Breakfast begins and children free flow between room two and three only
Third practitioner sets up mini village and allows free play |
| 08.00-09.00 | Fourth practitioner sets up garden areas, ready for the opening at 8.30 |
| 09.00-09.45
PLT set up room at 8.50 |
Preschool Learning Time in room three for up to 30 minutes
Children are alerted to group times by playing the same tune, song or sound Toddler free play, child directed activities in the physical garden and room one SEND learning time in room two – staff swap to ensure each child has 1:1 time |
| 09.45-10.15 | Nursery Cook opens the snack bar in room three only, room one closed (ratio 4:24)
Adult directed plans are prepared and ready (half of the team), others observe |
| 10.15-10.45 | Adult directed plans are prepared and ready (half of the team), others observe
Nursery Cook closes the snack bar at 10.50 and cleans snack area |
| 11.00-11.30
YMT set up at 10.50 |
Yoga and Mindfulness Time in room one for up to 30 minutes
Toddler free play, child directed activities in the mini village and room three SEND learning time in room two – staff swap to ensure each child has 1:1 time |
| 11.15-11.35 | Toddler Time in room three for up to 20 min
Celebrations, puppet time, music and movement ending with a story and song |
| 11.35-11.45
Areas clean and clear for 11.45 |
Practitioners prepare children and areas for lunch time
Lunch is served / One practitioner sets ups equipment and clean toilets |
| 13.00-13.45
PLT set up room at 12.50 |
Preschool Learning Time in room three for up to 30 minutes
Children are alerted to group times by playing the same tune, song or sound Toddler free play, child directed activities in the physical garden and room one SEND learning time in room two – staff swap to ensure each child has 1:1 time |
| 13.45-14.15 | Nursery Cook opens the snack bar in room three only, room one closed (ratio 4:24)
Adult directed plans are prepared and ready (half of the team), others observe |
| 14.15-15.45 | Adult directed plans are prepared and ready (half of the team), others observe
Nursery Cook closes the snack bar at 14.50pm and cleans snack area |
| 15.00-15.30
YMT set up at 14.50 |
Yoga and Mindfulness Time in room one for up to 30 min
Toddler free play, child directed activities in the mini village and room three SEND learning time in room two – staff swap to ensure each child has 1:1 time |
| 15.15-15.35 | Toddler Time in room three for up to 20 minutes
Celebrations, puppet time, music and movement ending with a story and song |
| 15.35-15.45
Areas clean and clear for 15.45 |
Practitioners prepare children and areas for teatime
Tea is served / One practitioner sets ups equipment and cleans toilets |
| 17.00-17.15 | All staff that are not on tea duty close the nursery together – other tasks wait!
Staff are constantly on the alert to child departures and hand washing duties. |
