Play, learn, eat, rest and explore

The Nursery Day

From a warm welcome at 7:30am to home time at 6:00pm, every day at Nightingales combines familiar routines with exciting opportunities to learn, play and grow.

Open from 7:30am Fresh breakfast and lunch Close at 6pm

A happy rhythm to the day

Routines That Help Children Feel Secure

A clear, familiar routine helps children know what to expect and gives them the confidence to become fully involved in nursery life. Our day includes a thoughtful balance of active play, quieter moments, meals, outdoor exploration and child-led learning.

Although this page shows a typical nursery day, our team remains flexible. Activities respond to the children's interests, the weather, special events and the individual needs of each age group.

Babies and younger children can follow their own sleep, feeding and care routines, while older children are gently supported to become more independent.

A typical day at Nightingales

From Breakfast to Home Time

Our daily routine provides structure without limiting children's curiosity, creativity or opportunities to follow their own interests.

7:30am

A Warm Welcome

Our doors open at 7:30am. Children are welcomed by familiar members of the team and can settle gently with books, table activities, construction or quiet play with friends.

 
1
7:30–8:30am

Breakfast

Early arrivals can enjoy a healthy breakfast. Sample choices may include Weetabix, wholemeal toast and whole milk, served in a calm and sociable environment. Our milk and fruit is delivered fresh each day. 

 
2
9:00am

Learning Through Play

Children choose from carefully prepared activities including creative play, construction, mark-making, sensory exploration, role play, stories, music and small-group learning.

 
3
10:30am

Morning Snack and Outdoor Play

A snack of fresh fruit and milk to help children recharge before more play. We make use of our outdoor spaces wherever possible, encouraging movement, investigation and imaginative adventures.

 
4
12:00pm

Freshly Prepared Lunch

Children enjoy a balanced fresh hot home cooked meal together. Mealtimes are relaxed and social, helping children practise using cutlery, making choices, talking with friends and trying new foods.

 
5
1:00pm

Rest and Quiet Time

Younger children can sleep according to their individual routines. Children who do not sleep enjoy stories, puzzles and calm activities before the afternoon begins.

 
6
2:30pm

Afternoon Exploration

The afternoon brings a snack of fresh fruit and milk, before designated music and movement activities.

 
7
4pm

Tea Time

Children enjoy a home cooked hot meal before relaxed play and stories. The nursery remains open until 6:00pm, with parents receiving a warm handover about their child's day.

 
8

Freshly prepared each day

Our Four Week Menu

Our varied four-week menu gives children a wide range of freshly prepared lunches and teas, with different flavours, ingredients and textures to enjoy.

Week Meal Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Week 1 Lunch Pork Belly in a Cream and Chanterelle Sauce D Butternut Squash and Pine Nut Stew Chicken Cacciatore Lamb Jalfrezi Courgette, Pimento and Parmesan Soup D
Tea Tomato and Fresh Rosemary Soup Carbonnade of Beef with Long Grain Rice Edamame Soup S Roasted Vegetable Risotto Tuna with Sundried Tomatoes, Capers and Garlic F
Week 2 Lunch Caramelised Mediterranean Vegetable Stew Chicken Pasanda with Naan Bread G Fusilli with Sun Dried Tomato and Pepper Pesto Mange Tout, Pancetta and Potato Soup Cumberland Sausage, Peas and Creamy Mashed Potatoes D
Tea Penne Arrabbiata G Red Onion and Parmesan Soup D Vegetable Biryani Texican Home Baked Beans with Pork Conchiglioni Marinara G
Week 3 Lunch Goan Pork Curry Basque Style Fish Stew F Chicken Tikka Masala Boeuf Bourguignon Creamed English Asparagus Soup
Tea Pepperoni Pizza D G Peshwari Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese G Roasted Pepper Risotto Radiattori Napoli G
Week 4 Lunch Chicken and Chickpea Stew Fusilli Puttanesca Beef Ragu with Pasta Persian Aromatic Chicken Moroccan Chicken
Tea Cheesy Pasta Bake G Mullet in Wholegrain Mustard F M Lentil and Serrano Ham Soup Fusilli with Wild Garlic Pesto G Margherita Pizza D G
Allergen Key: M Mustard F Fish D Dairy S Soy G Gluten

Individual care

Flexible Around Every Child

No two children are exactly the same. Our practitioners get to know each child's routines, interests and cues so that care can be adapted sensitively throughout the day.

Parents and carers are encouraged to share updates about sleep, appetite, health or anything else that may affect their child. This helps us provide continuity between home and nursery.

Individual sleep routines Support with allergies Comfort and reassurance Age-appropriate activities Regular parent handovers Time indoors and outdoors

What children enjoy every day

A Balanced Nursery Experience

Each part of the day supports children's wellbeing and development in a natural, enjoyable way.

☀

Outdoor Adventures

Fresh air, physical play, nature exploration and imaginative outdoor experiences wherever possible.

ABC

Purposeful Learning

Stories, songs, numbers, mark-making and conversations woven naturally into play.

♥

Friendships and Care

Warm relationships, group experiences and support with sharing, communication and confidence.

zzz

Rest and Wellbeing

Comfortable sleep arrangements, quiet spaces and a calm approach when children need time to recharge.

Come and Experience a Day at Nightingales

Book a visit to meet our friendly team, explore the nursery and see how our daily routines help children feel happy, secure and ready to learn.

Book a Visit

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