Daily Life
A typical day at our nursery is designed to feel calm, predictable and full of opportunities for children to explore, learn and feel secure.
As a small, family‑run setting, we pride ourselves on knowing every child well and creating an environment where they feel welcomed, understood and excited to begin their day.
Morning Arrival & Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Most children arrive between 7.30am and 8.30am. They are greeted by their key person, and because our rooms are small, all staff know all children, helping everyone settle quickly.
We offer breakfast up to 8.30am. This flexibility means early risers can eat when they are hungry without waiting for others, and parents can choose drop‑off times that suit their routines.
Room Groups & Transitions
Children spend their morning in their room or outdoors with their group. Our rooms follow a gentle progression:
- Mariquitas – our baby room, usually up to around 18 months
- Abejas – typically until children turn 2
- Arañas – for children until their final pre‑school year
- Mariposas – the final year before school
Transitions are based on developmental readiness, not just age. Children may move up in small groups with friends to support confidence and emotional security.
Learning Through Play
Staff observe children closely while they play and continually adapt planning to support their development. Our continuous provision is set up each day to reflect children’s needs, interests and next steps.
Although each room has a planned curriculum, learning is child‑led. Children’s interests guide our learning, while our practitioners provide purposeful experiences to support each child’s next steps
Forest School
Our Forest School sessions take place daily, led by qualified staff who support children to explore, discover and develop a meaningful connection with the natural world. Children enjoy exciting, hands-on experiences such as using real tools, exploring nature, building and creating, learning about wildlife, and safely enjoying small campfires. Snack is sometimes enjoyed outdoors too, making the most of our natural surroundings.
Forest School gives children the freedom to take appropriate risks, solve problems, work together and follow their own curiosity. These experiences help build confidence, independence, resilience and physical skills, while encouraging children to care for and appreciate the world around them. From muddy adventures and fascinating discoveries to quiet moments observing nature, every session offers something new to explore.
Snacks & Mealtimes
11:30 a.m
Children are offered a mid‑morning snack around 10am, though this may vary depending on activities. At all mealtimes, children wash their hands and learn to manage their own personal hygiene.
Around 11.30am, children sing Las manos a lavar to signal handwashing before lunch, followed by A comer to indicate it is time to eat.
Lunch and dinner are served in a family‑style setup. Children sit together with staff, talk about their food, and older children serve themselves from shared dishes. They help set the table, clear their plates and even wash up, building independence and confidence.
Sleep & Rest
After lunch, children who nap are settled in a calm, safe sleep space with their own sleep mats. Babies sleep in travel cots.
A member of staff always stays with sleeping children and monitors them in line with our policies.
Children who do not sleep usually continue their adventures outdoors, ensuring they can play freely without disturbing others.
Afternoon Activities
A mid‑afternoon snack is offered around 2pm. Activities continue throughout the afternoon, including singing the songs, daily story times, and reading both English and Spanish books.
We use an OPOL (One Person, One Language) approach, meaning both languages are used naturally throughout the day, supporting bilingual development.
Dinner is served around 3.30pm based on parental request. Children staying until 6pm are offered a final snack of toast around 5.30pm.
Trips
Occasionally, our children visit local sites on a trip with their friends. This may take place within walking distance such as local parks or shops. For older children, their trips sometimes take place at local venues such as Conkers, the Alpaca Farm or Rosliston Forestry centre. On these days, parents are informed in advance of the trip and will be made aware of any changes to lunch or food arrangements.
Collection & Handover
Collection times are flexible, with most children leaving between 4.30pm and 5.45pm. Parents can choose a full handover or a quick “pit stop,” with all details — meals, sleep, toileting, activities and photos — recorded on our Family app.
Our aim is for every child to leave feeling happy, secure and proud of their day. Through strong relationships, responsive planning and a nurturing environment, we ensure each child experiences a day filled with learning, joy and connection