Daily routine
The Daily Routine gives the children opportunities to make choices and plan activities, within the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. We want the children to learn respect for each other and also the environment within which they live.
The routine is consistent from one day to the next so the child knows what to expect.
Physical Time - (outside or inside) This is the time when the children can “let off steam” and “work their muscles”. We offer them a variety of play equipment to ensure they get a wide range of experiences.
The staff play an active part in outdoor play e.g. encouraging role play, physical play, organising games.
Outdoor Play - This is extremely important to the developing child. We take the inside classroom outside, so children have the indoor opportunities while enjoying sunshine and fresh air. We believe children need to be outdoors as much as possible, whatever the weather, to grow into healthy individuals.
Explorative/Free Flow Play – Gives the child the chance to choose what he/she wants to play with from the selection of equipment in the room, outside or inside. Staff play an active part with the children by supporting, encouraging and participating.
Quiet Time - Children group together to listen to music, small construction, jigsaw puzzles and books. This time of the day gives the children and staff a little time to unwind and relax after a fun packed busy day.
Letters and Sounds Programme – This is a government initiative to enhance and develop children’s communication and language skills. In the 3 -5 year age group we split into keyperson groups to do activities as recommended in the letters and sounds document. The document is a phonic resource to help with early reading and language skills. During the time the children take part in fun, enjoyable activities that help them build up good speaking and listening skills, which are vital for laying the good foundation for learning how to read. In other age groups we ensure, music, sound, rhythm and beat are part of the routine and planning.
Focus Activity Time – The staff initiate an activity focusing on the childrens interests and their developmental needs.
KEY TIMES IN THE NURSERY DAY
7.15 Children meet in our reception area (chat zone) to chat, read and welcome each other.
7.30 –8.45 Breakfast is served, in children's individual rooms
The fun starts – our nursery day begins, with lots to explore,investigate and share, inside and outside.
10.00 Snack is available at this time. The children are welcomed to the snack table by an adult and encouraged to eat healthy fruit,
vegetables and drinks. Occasionally we have special treats when celebrating someone’s birthday or if one of our friends are leaving.
11.45 Lunch Time* - children sit around the table where they learn personal skills,practice drinking and eating by themselves.
Children 2 years+ serve themselves meals, giving an opportunity to develop their physical skills like hand and eye
co-ordination, grasp and lifting skills. Time for children to chat in small groups while eating a healthy meal
Staff sit with the children encouraging and discussing the meal.
12.30 Children settle down for a sleep or quiet time.
As children wake up they go to the bathroom to freshen up and play with small world/quieter activities.
Freeflow play/focus activity time
3.30 Tea Time* - time for children to chat in small groups whilst eating a healthy snack. Adults will sit with the children
encouraging and discussing the meal.
4.00 The free flow/focus activity/outdoor play continues
5.15 Quiet activities/exploration of our senses/story time to help us wind down from our busy day and waiting to go home
*Both meal times are closely supervised by staff who sit at the table with the children.
All rooms ensure
Each day includes at least one;
- Musical activity (to ensure meeting letters and sounds initiative) or story time
- We are communicating and interacting with the children to promote their language and communication
- Key persons are building relationships and bonds with their children and parents to promote social and emotional aspects of their development.
- We are following the children's interests and planning for their next steps. With the support of other settings and parents/carers.
- Children to go outdoors daily, either during freeflow time or at a physical time, to exercise their muscles and develop co-ordination. Also use this time to explore and investigate the outdoor environment