A typical day at an early years nursery is carefully structured to provide children with a balance of stimulating activities, opportunities for interactive play, and essential downtime. This balance is crucial for young children’s development, as it allows them to grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively in a safe and nurturing environment.
At an early years nursery, children benefit from a range of experiences that challenge their curiosity, engage their creativity, and allow them to rest and recharge. A well-rounded daily routine can foster confidence, resilience, and a love for learning. At Little Acorns Day Nursery, our private nursery environment fosters free-flow indoor and outdoor play, creating an ideal balance between learning and fun, all within a highly safe and secure setting.
Read on to learn more about what a typical day at Little Acorns involves.
The Baby Room
In the baby daycare room, the atmosphere at Little Acorns is gentle and nurturing, catering specifically to the youngest children. Mornings typically start with a warm welcome from dedicated caregivers, each baby greeted personally by their key person, ensuring consistent individual care.
A typical morning involves stimulating sensory activities such as exploring soft textures, listening to soothing music, or gentle tummy-time sessions, helping babies strengthen their muscles and develop early motor skills.
Mid-morning, babies enjoy supervised outdoor play in a safe, specifically designed garden area, allowing them to experience fresh air and sensory exploration through nature. Outdoor play sessions provide ample opportunities for babies to safely discover their surroundings, which are crucial for their cognitive and physical development.
As midday approaches, babies are given nutritious meals prepared freshly onsite, accommodating any specific dietary requirements. Meal times at Little Acorns are peaceful and structured, promoting early social skills through shared experiences. Nap time follows, providing babies with essential rest in quiet, calming sleep areas.
Afternoons mirror the gentle rhythm of the morning, with additional activities such as interactive storytime, songs, and gentle play, always closely supervised by nurturing staff. Our supportive approach to baby daycare helps babies feel secure and content, fostering their emotional and social growth.
The Toddler Room
The toddler room at Little Acorns buzzes with energy and excitement as children start their day with engaging group activities designed to encourage social interaction and teamwork. Each toddler is supported by their key person, providing individualised attention and care, crucial for building confidence and emotional security.
Structured yet flexible, the morning includes free-flow inside and outdoor play. Toddlers enjoy the stimulating environment both indoors, filled with interactive toys, books, and art materials, and outdoors, where they engage in physical activities like climbing frames, sand play, and nature exploration. Outdoor play significantly supports toddlers’ developing motor skills and encourages curiosity about their natural surroundings.
Midday meals are a communal, sociable experience, teaching toddlers about healthy eating habits while encouraging them to communicate and interact positively with their peers. After lunch, toddlers participate in nap time or quiet activities, respecting individual routines and needs.
Afternoons include diverse activities such as arts and crafts, music sessions, or basic computer time to introduce early digital skills in a controlled environment. These varied experiences support cognitive, emotional, and physical development, ensuring each toddler thrives.
Pre-school
In Little Acorns’ pre-school room, mornings are designed to prepare children for their educational journey ahead. Activities here balance structured learning with play, ensuring children are ready academically, socially, and emotionally for school. Each child’s learning is guided by their key person, who carefully observes and plans activities tailored to individual interests and developmental stages.
The pre-school environment incorporates free-flow inside and outdoor play, allowing children autonomy in their choice of activities. Outdoor play involves more complex games, gardening projects, and investigative nature activities, significantly enhancing children’s physical abilities, problem-solving skills, and environmental awareness.
Midday offers nutritious meals and a relaxed social environment, promoting independence and table manners, which are essential life skills. Quiet time follows, either through restful activities or nap time, ensuring children recharge effectively.
Afternoons include structured educational sessions covering literacy, numeracy, and computer skills, preparing pre-schoolers for future educational settings. Regular group activities and storytimes foster strong peer relationships and teamwork skills, which are vital for social development.
Parent Involvement and Communication
At Little Acorns, parent involvement is key to creating a positive and supportive environment for children. Regular communication is maintained through various channels, including daily updates via text message, parent newsletters, and one-on-one meetings with key staff members. This ensures parents are well-informed about their child’s day, progress, and any milestones they may have reached.
Our nursery encourages parents to take an active role in their child’s learning journey. Regular parent workshops, events, and open days are organised to keep parents involved in the educational process. Additionally, parents are invited to share their child’s interests or achievements outside of nursery to help inform the learning experience. This creates a collaborative approach to learning and ensures that the nursery’s activities align with the child’s home life and family values.
We also offers a flexible settling-in process, ensuring both parents and children feel at ease. Our team’s commitment to individual care ensures that parents feel confident and reassured that their child is being looked after in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
Join Our Early Years Nursery
We at Little Acorns Day Nursery are proud to stand out as a premier early years private nursery, thanks to our careful blend of individualised care, stimulating environments, and balanced activities.
When parents choose Little Acorns, they can expect a nurturing setting with educated and experienced staff dedicated to each child’s unique developmental journey. With a strong emphasis on safety, security, and enriching outdoor play, we provide peace of mind. At Little Acorns, children thrive, feeling safe, valued, and inspired to learn through play every day.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a nursery visit to one of our Hedge End or Eastleigh nurseries, contact us today!
