We follow your baby’s routine as you describe it to us, offering naps and milk feeds in the amounts and at the times that you have established with your baby. The routine below is what happens in the room, for your baby to access in their waking hours.

8:00 – 8:30  Arrival and Breakfast. Children move on to activities once they finished their breakfast.

8.30 – 9:00  Free play while we welcome all children into the nursery in the morning. The children are free to explore the resources. Adults support the babies in their exploration and interactions.

9:00 – 9:55 Garden time : Children are free to explore the continuous provision in the garden

10:00 - 10:20 Morning snack and discussion about healthy eating – older children sit at the table when eating snack

10:20 – 10:30 Circle time (during free play): Singing. Babies are free to join in with singing morning welcome song.

10:30 – 11:00 Planned activities: planned focus messy/sensory play activity is set for babies to explore (Care routines)

11:00 - 11:15 Free play

11:15 – 11:30 Music and movement session – Staff to lead babies in music session, using instruments, silk scarfs, parachute etc.

11:30 – 12:00 Lunch time

12:15 - 1:00 Children who are with us for a full day go to sleep – Morning session children take part in share a story with an adult.

1:00 – Home time for our morning children and we welcome our afternoon children into nursery

1:00 – 1:30 Free play

1:30- 2:15  Big physical free play: tunnels, balls, rockers and soft play. The babies are free to play on equipment with staff supporting them, helping to develop gross motor skills (Care routines)

2:15 – 3:50 Garden time- Children are free to explore the continuous provision in the garden

3:45 – 4:15  Light tea time

4:15 – 5:00 Treasure basket session – different one each week (Care routines)/ Bucket time for the toddlers

5:00 – 6:00 Free play while children are being collected at the end of the day.

To ensure children’s comfort, nappies are checked routinely throughout the day as well as at allocated times.

What you need to bring:

We ask that you bring a few items from home to help us provide the best support and care for your baby. These include nappies, wipes, spare clothes, infant milk formula, a comfort toy (if your baby needs some extra comfort), and suitable walking shoes (to help support your baby in taking those first steps), clothes appropriate to the weather such as a raincoat, sun hat and sun cream. We would appreciate it if you could label items such as sun hats or jackets with your baby’s initials.

8:00 – 8:30 Arrival & Breakfast

8:30 – 9: 00 Free Play

Children arrive, settle in, and engage in free play activities. This includes access to both indoor and outdoor areas in a free-flow setup.

9:00 – 9:15 Circle Time & Welcome

A short group time to welcome everyone, talk about the day ahead, and sing a morning song.

9:15 – 10:30 Free Flow & Rolling Snack

Children choose between indoor and outdoor play. A rolling snack is available for children to access when ready.

10:30 – 10:50 Adult-Led Activities

Older children (preparing for school) participate in structured adult-led activities to build key skills. Younger children engage in play-based learning or sensory experiences inside and outside.

10:50 – 11:25 Outdoor Play & Exploration

Children have further opportunities for outdoor exploration and physical play.

11:30 – 12:00 Music and Movement / Yoga / Rugby/ Bucket Time

Once a week, children enjoy a session of Music and Movement with Tiny Mites. Once a week, a yoga session with Tiny Mites takes place.

Once a month, RugbyTots Essex runs a fun, structured rugby session.

12:00 – 12:30 Lunch Time

Children enjoy a nutritious lunch together, promoting social skills and independence.

12:30 – 1:00 Quiet Time / Rest / Garden Time

Children who need rest are encouraged to nap or relax with calming activities, the rest of the children explore the outdoor environment.

1:00 – 2:30 Free Flow, Adult-Led Activities & Free Play & Rolling Snack

Children continue with free-flow play between indoors and outdoors. Rolling snack available for children who need it. Planned adult-led activities for older children preparing for school. Younger children engage in child-led exploration.

2:30 – 2:40 Music and Movement / Group Time

On non-Tiny Mites days, a practitioner-led music and movement session takes place. Alternatively, small group activities such as singing, storytelling, or interactive games are held.

2:50 – 03:50 Free flow

Another chance for indoor & outdoor exploration and play.

3:50 – 4:00 Story Time

A calm, engaging story session to transition from active play to tea time.

4:00 – 4:30 Light Tea

Children sit together for a light, nutritious tea.

4:30 – 5:30 Free Play & Child-Led Activities

A mix of free play, indoor and outdoor activities, and child-led choices.

5:30 – 6:00 Home Time

Children engage in quiet activities such as puzzles, books, or small world play while waiting for collection.