Our Routine

Our Daily Routine at Tenterfield Nursery School

At Tenterfield Nursery School, we understand that routine is crucial for helping children settle and flourish in their nursery life. Our friendly, nurturing approach ensures each child feels supported from the moment they walk through our door.

Session Times

  • Morning session: 8.45 am – 11.45 am (Monday to Friday) 

  • Pink Group Morning Session: 8.35am - 11.35 am (Flexible days, minimum of 2 days)

  • All-day session (30-hour funded core): 8.45 am – 2.45 pm (Monday to Friday) 

We also offer extended care:

  • Breakfast Club: 8.00 am – 8.45 am

  • Afternoon Wraparound: 11.45 am – 2.45 pm

  • Late pick-up: 2.45 pm – 3.30 pm

  • After School Club: 2.45 pm - 5.30 pm

Welcome and Arrival

Every morning starts with a warm welcome from our friendly staff on the door. We value daily opportunities for brief chats with parents and carers, helping us join together in supporting your child’s day. There will be a ndedicated member of staff to take any urgent messages. You are then encouraged to say goodbye to your child as they enter nursery independently.

Welcome Time

Routine is woven into everything we do—especially in small-group activities such as Welcome time. These group sessions build familiarity and offer focused, supportive interaction—helping children feel confident and safe as they begin their day at nursery. We often theme these adult led activities around our core books. 

Child-Led Play and Learning

Children thrive when they lead the way. That’s why much of our day is devoted to child-initiated play, where children choose their activities—indoors and outdoors—with gentle, responsive support from staff. This kind of nurturing, imaginative play builds strong foundations for learning. The routines we follow help create a predictable & inclusive environment. 

Snack Times

At Tenterfield, we promote independence and social skills through snack times. Children can choose when they’d like to eat, with staff nearby to support them as they practice small life skills—like buttering toast or washing up after themselves. It’s a social time that quietly builds confidence. Our rolling snack is open for an hour in the morning and the afternoon.

Lunchtime

This is our time where we sit together, encouraging children’s conversation and social interaction, whilst they enjoying eating their packed lunch from home. It is a lovely social time with our friends and key people.

Story Time & Love of Stories

We end each session with story time—a time for calm connection through books, rhymes, and storytelling. At Tenterfield, we believe in growing a lifelong love of books, words, and stories from the earliest years.

Home Time

To ensure a secure and smooth end to each day, we will often share brief messages about your child’s day. This open communication helps us work together to support your child’s play, learning, and wellbeing.