Nursery Routine (Under 2s)
We use flexible routines to allow the balance between the predictability of a daily routine, which supports children's settling as they know what to expect and when, with the benefit of flexibility meaning that children can choose to participate in a time and way that best suits them. This values the child's voice and engagement in experiences. In our nursery classrooms, the educators work on smaller ratios, allowing each child to have their own tailored schedule.
Morning Routine
7:30 am - Welcome!
Our doors open and we welcome families and children to the service. Educators are on hand to greet the families and settle the children seamlessly.
During the early morning, we have a fluid curriculum involving indoor and outdoor play. Children engage in planned and spontaneous play experiences whilst building healthy attachments with their educators.
Nappy change schedules will begin. Nappies are changed at 4 set periods throughout the day, and ad hoc as required.
8:30 to 10am - Progressive Morning Tea
Infants and babies will have their hands cleaned and offered morning tea in their highchairs. Educators will help feed each child as required. Morning tea provides opportunities for finger feeding and utensil practice.
Older children are assisted to wash their hands at a sink and choose when they would like to join mealtime as a social and relaxed experience. They are transitioned to small chairs at a table.
Infants and babies have their unique sleep schedule and may require a morning nap. Meals will be offered according to their tailored routine.
10am to 11.30am - 360 Programs with Individual and Group Experiences
Babies and infants will engage in play experiences with their peers. Learning is facilitated by an educator in smaller group settings. For toddlers that are more mobile, they are welcome to learn at their own pace; they may play independently and explore the resources in their playspaces, or join smaller groups.
Educators are observing the children, and flexible with their teaching methods, allowing children to learn according to their unique interests and developmental needs.
Lunch Routine
11:30 am to 12:30pm - Progressive Lunch Time
Children's hands are washed. Babies and infants are seated in highchairs and assisted in eating a warm, nutritious meal. Older children are seated in small chairs and encouraged to join mealtime as a social and relaxed experience.
12pm to 2pm - Rest and Relaxation
This time is for rest, relaxation and meditation. Younger children sleep in cots and older children sleep on small stretcher beds. Gentle music is played to soothe children and educators assist children in settling. Safe sleeping practices are implemented, with regular sleep checks and monitoring.
For children that are not sleeping during this time, they will continue engaging in the curriculum with a focus on quiet activities.
In this period of time where most children are resting, bathrooms and environments are checked and cleaned. Educators will use this time to take their breaks and complete their teaching documentation i.e. daily observations, daily posts and curriculum planning.
Afternoon Routine
2pm to 3pm - Progressive Afternoon Tea Time
As children begin to wake up, they will be offered an afternoon meal. These meals provide opportunities for practicing our fine motor skills; babies engage in finger feeding and are assisted in using small spoons and forks.
3.30pm to 5.00pm - 360 Programs with Individual and Group Experiences
As with the morning program, children will engage in experiences in the indoor and outdoor program. Our educators focus on helping babies grow in a variety of developmental areas:
- Physical: fundamental movement skills and gross, fine and sensory motor skills
- Social-emotional: sense of wellbeing, healthy attachments, collaborative play, turn-taking
- Language: verbal and non-verbal expressions, identity formation,
- Cognitive: exploration, experimentation, problem-solving, sensory play
5.00pm to 6.00pm - Late Snack & Goodbyes
This period of time is our wind-down routine. A late snack is offered at 5pm. All children are collected by their family at 5:45pm. Educators will share information about children with families during brief pick-up conversations. It is a time to delight in our children's learning journey. For longer discussions, we welcome families to book in for a parent-teacher meeting.
Before close, educators will clean and reset all learning environments. Learning resources are sanitised and hygiene practices are followed. Families can look forward to daily posts in their parent app that provide a snapshot of learning.