Smitham Nursery Daily Schedule
Our nursery day is carefully planned to support children’s wellbeing, curiosity and learning, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. We value children as confident, capable learners and give them time and space to explore their interests.
8:35–9:00 Arrival & Settling In
Children are welcomed by familiar adults, self-register and settle into activities of their choice, such as drawing, building, or imaginative play.
9:00–9:20 Welcome Carpet Session – Literacy Focus
Children meet as a class to listen to the story of the week, share ideas, talk about their interests, sing songs and build relationships.
9:20–9:45 Small Group Observed Snack Time
Children enjoy a relaxed snack together in small groups. They are encouraged to help prepare, serve and tidy up, while chatting with their friends and adults.
9:40–11:10 Learning Through Play (Indoors & Outdoors Free flow)
This is a long period of child-led play and exploration. Children move freely between indoor and outdoor areas, exploring materials, working on projects and following their own ideas. Adults observe, support and extend learning.
11:10–11:25 Maths Reflection & Farewell to Friends
Children come together to revisit their learning through number-rich stories, songs and group discussions. We count, compare, notice patterns and talk about quantities using objects, pictures and experiences from the morning.
What this supports:
- Mathematics – counting, comparing quantities, recognising patterns and using mathematical language
- Communication and Language – explaining ideas, reasoning and using new vocabulary
11:30–12:00 Lunch
Lunch is a calm, social time. Children are encouraged to be independent and enjoy eating together.
12:00–1:00 | Calm Activities
Afternoon children are welcomed by familiar adults, self-register and settle into activities of their choice. All children enjoy quiet activities such as reading, drawing, construction or puzzles.
1:00–1:20 Small Group Observed Snack Time
- Children enjoy a relaxed snack together in small groups. They are encouraged to help prepare, serve and tidy up, while chatting with their friends and adults.
1:15–2:20 | Afternoon Learning & Play
Afternoon children meet as a small group to listen to the story of the week, share ideas, talk about their interests, sing songs and build relationships. We count, compare, notice patterns and talk about quantities using objects, pictures and experiences.
Children continue their play and project work indoors and outdoors, building on ideas from earlier in the day.
2:30–3:00 Reflection & Home Time
We come together to talk about the day, share stories, share learning and prepare for home time.