Planning our Time

Planning our Time

Routine is important for both the children and the adults in any family or childcare organisation. However at Shepherds Hill Nursery we also believe that flexibility within that routine is just as important.

We structure our daily routine with time guidelines to ensure that activities, children and learning experiences are not rushed or cut short. We also allow the children to influence the planned activities throughout the day so that they feel important and involved.


The following daily routine helps us to provide this relaxed structure:

8.00am - 9.00am
Breakfast club.

9.00pm - 10.00am
Welcome children and free-flow play.

10.00am - 10.30am
Snack. Get together time.

10.30am - 12.00pm
Main daily activity and outdoor play.

12.00pm - 1.30pm
Lunch. Sleep, relaxation and story time.

1.30pm - 3.00pm
Child-led and adult-initiated activities (indoors and outdoors).

3.00pm - 3.30pm
Snack. Reflection time. Core hours home-time.

3.30pm - 6.00pm
Child-led activities. Tea. Full day home-time.

At all times of the day staff take special care to ensure that the children's personal and hygine needs are taken care of.                                    


Description of Activities:
  • Free-flow play - Children are given the freedom to self select toys and games which will help them to relax into the nursery day
  • Get together time - The children form a circle and sing a hello song where each child is greeted by name and has the opportunity to say hello to the others. Children are grouped according to age and stage of development. During this time the children and adults discuss aspects of the current nursery theme. For example, during the Spring theme, children might be asked to order a series of pictures representing a sunflower's growth cycle from soil, to seed, to shoot, to stem and finally flower. During the transport theme the children may be asked to name different types of transportation and to make observations about them.
  • Main daily activity - The nursery staff plan indoor and outdoor activities each week, often reflecting the current theme, to encourage the children to develop specific skills and knowledge. These activities are designed to nurture the six areas of learning and development outlined by the Early Years Foundation Stage framework for 0-5 years. (See our Curriculum page.)
  • Sleep, relaxation and story time - At this time children who need a day-time sleep have access to a designated sleep room. Others remain in the main area and are encouraged to relax with stretching and breathing excersises, or with a book or quiet play.
  • Child-led activities - Children are encouraged and supported in any games and activities they choose, be it indoors or outside.
  • Adult-initiated activities - Nursery staff will be on the look out for spontaneous activities which can enhance the childrens' experiences and learning opportunities. These might reflect the current colour, number, letter or shape of the month.
  • Reflection time - Children are given the opportunity to reflect on their day at Shepherds Hill by talking about what has happened and thinking about what they have learnt and enjoyed.
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