A typical day in Nursery 

Although no two days are the same at our nursery, here is an example of what might happen during the day.  Our Nursery children are greeted at the gate by their familiar and regular teaching staff. This aids for a smooth handover and the children enjoy walking into school together where they commence their day. We begin with registration and settling in gently, whilst the children explore play. 

The children find their names or faces and place them in a basket. We then have carpet time and greet each other singing and signing to the 'Hello song'. We can use this wonderful time to talk about the date and weather. Our carpet sessions range from teaching early reading skills , Math's , enjoying stories and songs, as well as exploring topics close to home and from around the world.   Afterwards, the children can be can be curious and enjoy a balanced range of open ended activities in our indoor or outdoor areas. Open ended activities encourage our children to tap into their innate creativity, whether it's through art, building with blocks or pretending with dolls. These activities allow our children to express themselves and create without limitations. All of our children are a valued part of the Ladybirds family, and so we work together to put all of the resources back where they belong. 

We then come together for a social snack time where we talk and listen about our day, our families and other wonderful musings! Respecting children's voices is at the core of empowering their learning experiences. We create an atmosphere of respect within our Nursery. By actively listening to their thoughts, ideas and questions, we foster their sense of belonging, self-confidence and self-worth.  More outdoor play continues where the children can explore the many areas we have, such as Hills and Hollows, and the outdoor classroom space. Our children come together with their friends in other year groups , who often take on the 'buddy' nurturing role looking after our nursery children.

After lunchtime, the children will settle for carpet time where we might share stories, songs, role play or sound work as a consolidation of our learning. The children then get back to exploring through play, together with their friends and key adults always ready to support. There are many variations to our day: each day is carefully planned to support the children in becoming independent and active learners; taking shared responsibility for their times and actions.  In our Nursery we observe and capture, celebrating our children's voices. By observing and documenting their pieces of work, activities and photographs, we as early years practitioners gain a deeper understanding of their learning processes and their achievements. Reflecting on this enables us to recognise and appreciate children's unique perspectives, interests and abilities. It also allows meaningful collaboration with parents and carers, creating a holistic view of children's development. 

What to bring

• At least 2 changes of clothes in a named bag.
• Any nappies, wipes and nappy bags which may be needed during the session.
• Wellies and appropriate outdoor clothing (these can be left at Nursery on your child's peg in a named bag).
• Closed toe shoes (preferably Velcro fastening or pull -on) 
• A named water bottle with plain water

All items of clothing and bags etc. must be clearly named.