A daily greeting between teachers and children is a special moment and a key transition of the day which sets the tone for the day ahead. This is followed by breakfast for those who haven’t eaten at home. They are assisted as necessary to make a choice and serve themselves. Tidying up breakfast is part of the work cycle, and children have the choice to work alone; to work collaboratively with a friend, or to join a small adult led group. The children are taken on regular outings to the parks, and feeding ducks is one activity several of the infants enjoy. Throughout the nursery, children work inside, and sometimes outside, depending on individual interest and needs. Working outside helps some children to become more positively engaged by releasing restless energy offered by physical activities the outdoors affords them.

Preparation for lunch usually starts at 11:30 in the Nido, and about 12:00pm in the Infant Community and Children’s House. Eating lunch is the perfect opportunity to reinforce the importance of good manners and it is a special time of the day. In all the classes, the teachers and children recite a short poem of gratitude for the meal they share. The children participate in setting up the lunch and clearing up afterwards every day. After lunch, the children spend time playing in the garden and those who require a nap will be taken to the nap room for a rest. Children are not forced to sleep, and if they do not wish to sleep, they are given the freedom to play outside. The children usually play outside for about an hour jumping, playing in the sand, watering the garden, blowing bubbles, pulling one another in a wagon, drawing with chalk, painting, engaging in role play and having fun exploring a range of activities and materials.

Children in the Nido have their own self-contained sleeping area in their room, and the children who are awake are taken to the playroom or outside in their safe and cozy garden for more exploration. For the Infant Community and Children’s House, the afternoon work cycle usually starts around 2:15pm to 3:50pm. The children spend most of the afternoons practicing and developing self-care skills such as brushing hair, teeth and washing their faces. They also contribute towards food preparation such as baking bread and pizzas as well as soup, salads and other healthy meals which contribute towards their tea. This is also a time when older children practice their reading and writing skills.

Afternoon tea in the Nido usually starts at 3:30pm, and and in the Infant Community and Children’s House tea is at 4:00pm. A number of children finish their session at nursery at 4:00pm. After 4:30pm the children staying the full day help with tidying up tea, and they then continue their exploration and play outside in the garden. The children are taken on outings to local parks and playgrounds. The daily farewell is a nice way to bring closure to the day. Parents receive daily feedback before the children are greeted and signed out. The signing out sheet is an easy attendance reference for the teachers to keep track of a changing headcount as the children leave. The nursery shuts at 6:00pm.