Before starting Nursery
Before starting nursery, some children have a set routine, this is more common in younger children. These routines work well for both child and parent, allowing parents to plan their day. Some children as they get older grow out of their daytime routine but still have a bedtime routine.
It is important that when a child starts nursery their routine is followed as this keeps continuity for the child. Starting nursery can be a distressing time for a child but having some form of normality e.g. routine can help them settle.
Developing a strong relationship with parents is key to helping the key person understand the child’s routine. As early years practitioners it can be difficult to accommodate children’s individual routines as well as following nursery’s routine, but by having a flexible approach this can create that homely feel for children.
Adapting to nursery’s routine
We find that whilst attending our nurseries , children may begin to fall into our nursery’s daily routine e.g. playing in the morning sleeping in the afternoon, if this is the case ensure this is being communicated with parents. Some parents may still prefer that their child is offered a sleep in the morning as sleeping in the afternoon can cause difficulty in getting the child to sleep at night. It is all about working with parents not against them to ensure the child’s needs are being met.
The more younger children will have set routines that parents have established e.g. set times for bottles etc. Again, following these routines are more crucial for younger children as they do not have the ability to tell you verbally their needs. With regard to communicating children’s routines how is this shared with the key person when a child starts in your setting?
Whose responsibility is it to ensure child’s routine is followed
Many nurseries use the approach that the child’s key person is the person who ensures the child’s routine is followed, however we believe it is good practice that other practitioners are made aware of children’s routines just in case that key person is off poorly or on holiday. We have a key person buddy system that works really well in these cases.
By following children’ routines at nursery this can create a smooth transition into nursery and help meet the needs of both the child and parents leading to a happy outcome.
Arrival
To be greeted by the friendly and familiar nursery team and your child's key person.
Mornings
Our curriculum ensures the children are engaged with endless resources and a variety of stimulating activities designed to ignite their curiosity and support their development.
Outdoor play
Our outdoor areas offer the space for your child to explore and take risks with the support of our team. Outdoor play encourages natural curiosity and allows children to develop their gross motor skills while benefiting from healthy fresh air.
Lunch
Lunch is a time to enjoy a freshly prepared and balanced meal prepared by our chefs on site. There's a healthy and varied menu every day, and we encourage children to discover different tastes and textures, try different food and enjoy the experience of sharing a sociable meal with others.
Indoor play
Our indoor spaces are designed to spark imagination and creativity. Each area has its nurturing atmosphere with environments thoughtfully planned, allowing them access to a rich variety of resources and activities that support their learning and development across all areas.
Naps and quiet time
For nap times, our environments are transformed into cosy, snuggly areas where babies and children can get the sleep and rest, they require for their own personal and developmental needs. Sleep is an important part of the nursery day for our babies and toddlers, so by working together with our parents, we ensure that each child's needs are carefully considered and met.
Snacks and breaks
Snack times at nursery are a great opportunity to introduce children to different flavours and textures. Our snack times are well prepared and will consist of a selection of fresh fruit/vegetable sticks and toast or other baked food. They can support your child's learning and development in many ways, so we endeavour to make them as varied and inviting as possible, to ensure all of our children look forward to these social times in nursery.
Home time
At the end of each day, your child's Key Worker will tell you all about their exciting day at nursery, so you'll know what they have eaten and how much they have drunk, how long they have slept for and what activities they have done and enjoyed the most. We want you to feel part of their day, so you will be fully informed to ensure you don't miss out on any important achievements and development milestones.
Keeping in touch
You can keep in touch with our nurseries at any time of day and follow your child's progress via the app.