Daily Routine

As a Montessori nursery we believe that a basic structure to the day can enhance a child’s experience and give them comfort in routine. However, the children are not interrupted in their ‘work’ and we are flexible in our timings and respect the individual child and the choices they wish to make. The staff are on hand to guide the child through the day.

0900         Welcome in and free choice play from the shelves

0930         1:1 Montessori work with sensorial equipment and Adult-led activity

1030         Circle time with theme based or practical life discussions

1050         Snack time

1100         Outdoor play for those who want to

1200         End of morning session

1205         Quiet game followed by story time

1215         Lunchtime

1300         Afternoon session begins with free choice from the shelves

1330         Outdoor play for those who want to

1430         Adult-led activity for those who want to join in

1500         Story time 

A Day at College Fields Montessori Nursery.

If you have booked your child a place with us for a full day you should bring your child in at 0900.

Between 0900 and 1030 the children are encouraged to work from the shelves around the room. The younger ones to gain confidence from the practical life shelves, the older ones to refine their senses from the sensorial shelves. Children can paint or draw at leisure. As a small group we share the responsibilities of keyworker and will follow your child’s lead.

During the morning we have a short circle time to bring everyone together and talk about our theme and discuss any news within the group. We encourage children to bring in one item from home to aid these discussions; this could be anything from leaves or shells or a favourite toy or photos of their siblings or holidays etc. After Circle time we wash our hands for snack time.

Our adult led activity, which could be craft based, cooking or involve music, movement and drama will be linked to the half termly theme. We try to have as much outside play as possible in our lovely big garden.

Just before midday we move into story time and end with the Quiet Game. This is just a few moments of mindfulness so we can listen and relax together to mark the end of the morning session. The children going home at the end of the morning session at 1200 will say their farewells, shake hands to the leading teacher and go to their family member. Parents/carers should enter the room quietly at this time.

We then move into lunch time at 1215 which takes as long as it takes – there is no rush and children can sit wherever they like. During lunch the teachers will sit with the children to model good manners and aid conversation skills.

Some children will leave at 1300 and others arriving for the afternoon session.

The afternoon is often a quieter session and involves presentations of the practical or sensorial shelves and then guided free play inside or in the garden.  Afternoon snack is a drink and biscuit at 1430 and then stories to end the day. Our day ends at 1500 when all children should be picked up promptly. We can offer extended hours at either end of the day to help working parents or multiple school run timings These are from 0830h and finishing at 1545h. Please note that the extended periods are not covered by government funding and will be charged accordingly.

Snack time 1030h

This is a social occasion where we sit down at the tables for a snack. The room is tidied, and tables are cleaned and set by the children. All hands are washed before snack to encourage routine hygiene. For snack we provide a selection of fresh apples, bananas, cream cheese and crackers. Children are encouraged to cut their own soft fruit and use a fork to eat. The children can have a drink whenever they want by pouring their own water at a table set out in the classroom.

Lunch time 1215h

All children bring in their own packed lunches. Lunch is an important social occasion for the children so they can choose where they would like to sit. During fine weather we often have a picnic lunch in the garden in the shade. We encourage children to engage in conversation with friends and Teachers. The Teachers always sit and eat with the children, so help is at hand to open difficult lids or packets and they are able to use the opportunity to model good manners and healthy eating choices.

We encourage the children to eat the savouries and fruit first before something more exciting! A drink of water is always available and we will always encourage drinking from an open cup. However, on hot days you can pack your child’s own water bottle. We sometimes have children with nut allergies so please try not to pack peanut butter sandwiches or nuts without checking first.

We encourage the children to eat everything in their lunch boxes but the uneaten bits are put back in the lunch box so you can see how much your child has eaten and we will feedback if a child shows a dislike for anything. If your child wants to save something for the afternoon, the lunch box can be brought out at afternoon snack. Afternoon snack is a drink and fruit and the remainders of lunch time food.

The children can get down from the table to commence work when their table has finished, providing that they do not disturb those who are still eating.

We are able and qualified to cater for any allergies and intolerances so please let us know on your application form and please discuss your child’s requirements with us at every stage.

We expect packed lunches to be healthy, nutritious and colourful, ensuring variety. If you would like some ideas on food items or portion control please don’t hesitate to ask.