A typical day at Bushbabies
A purposeful balance of guided activities, free exploration, and gentle routine
A day at Bushbabies is thoughtfully structured to provide children with the rhythm and security they need, while leaving plenty of room for spontaneity, curiosity, and child-led discovery. Here is a glimpse of what a typical day entails.
Arrival and free play
Children arrive to a warm welcome from their key person and settle into their day with free-choice activities. This unhurried start allows them to reconnect with friends, explore resources that interest them, and transition comfortably into our homely environment. Teachers use this time to observe, interact, and tune in to each child’s mood and interests for the day ahead.
Arrival and free play
Children arrive to a warm welcome from their key person and settle into their day with free-choice activities. This unhurried start allows them to reconnect with friends, explore resources that interest them, and transition comfortably into our homely environment. Teachers use this time to observe, interact, and tune in to each child’s mood and interests for the day ahead.
Circle time
The whole group gathers for lively circle time, a chance to share news, sing songs, explore a story, or introduce a new topic together. Circle time builds communication and language skills, encourages turn-taking and active listening, and fosters a sense of belonging within our community. It also serves as a springboard for the day’s planned activities.
Circle time
The whole group gathers for lively circle time, a chance to share news, sing songs, explore a story, or introduce a new topic together. Circle time builds communication and language skills, encourages turn-taking and active listening, and fosters a sense of belonging within our community. It also serves as a springboard for the day’s planned activities.
Circle time
The whole group gathers for lively circle time, a chance to share news, sing songs, explore a story, or introduce a new topic together. Circle time builds communication and language skills, encourages turn-taking and active listening, and fosters a sense of belonging within our community. It also serves as a springboard for the day’s planned activities.
Guided learning activities
Small-group and one-to-one activities are planned across all seven areas of the EYFS, drawing on additional principles to deepen our approach. Children might explore mathematical concepts through cooking and measuring, develop literacy through mark-making and storytelling, or investigate the natural world through hands-on experiments with light, shadow, water, and natural materials. Activities are carefully differentiated so that every child is appropriately challenged and supported – because we take the time to understand each child’s individual strengths and next steps.
Guided learning activities
Small-group and one-to-one activities are planned across all seven areas of the EYFS, drawing on additional principles to deepen our approach. Children might explore mathematical concepts through cooking and measuring, develop literacy through mark-making and storytelling, or investigate the natural world through hands-on experiments with light, shadow, water, and natural materials. Activities are carefully differentiated so that every child is appropriately challenged and supported – because we take the time to understand each child’s individual strengths and next steps.
Free exploration and child-led play
Generous blocks of free play are woven throughout the day. During these periods, children choose their own activities from our thoughtfully prepared indoor and outdoor environments. This is where some of the deepest learning takes place, as children negotiate roles in imaginative play, solve problems with construction materials, create artwork, or simply lose themselves in the joy of movement and physical play. Our team observe closely during free play, capturing and documenting learning moments and using these observations to plan what comes next.
Free exploration and child-led play
Generous blocks of free play are woven throughout the day. During these periods, children choose their own activities from our thoughtfully prepared indoor and outdoor environments. This is where some of the deepest learning takes place, as children negotiate roles in imaginative play, solve problems with construction materials, create artwork, or simply lose themselves in the joy of movement and physical play. Our team observe closely during free play, capturing and documenting learning moments and using these observations to plan what comes next.
Free exploration and child-led play
Generous blocks of free play are woven throughout the day. During these periods, children choose their own activities from our thoughtfully prepared indoor and outdoor environments. This is where some of the deepest learning takes place, as children negotiate roles in imaginative play, solve problems with construction materials, create artwork, or simply lose themselves in the joy of movement and physical play. Our team observe closely during free play, capturing and documenting learning moments and using these observations to plan what comes next.
Outdoor time
Come rain or shine, children enjoy dedicated outdoor sessions each day. Our garden offers space for climbing, running, and gross motor development, alongside quieter activities such as gardening, sand and water play, and preparing delectable delights in the mud kitchen. Outdoor learning is a vital and much-loved part of every day.
Outdoor time
Come rain or shine, children enjoy dedicated outdoor sessions each day. Our garden offers space for climbing, running, and gross motor development, alongside quieter activities such as gardening, sand and water play, and preparing delectable delights in the mud kitchen. Outdoor learning is a vital and much-loved part of every day.
Mealtime and snacks
Mealtimes are social occasions where children practise independence, conversation, and healthy eating habits. We encourage children to serve themselves, pour their own drinks, and help tidy up afterwards. These everyday moments are rich in learning – from mathematics (counting out fruit, setting places) to personal development (using good manners, taking responsibility).
Mealtime and snacks
Mealtimes are social occasions where children practise independence, conversation, and healthy eating habits. We encourage children to serve themselves, pour their own drinks, and help tidy up afterwards. These everyday moments are rich in learning – from mathematics (counting out fruit, setting places) to personal development (using good manners, taking responsibility).
Mealtime and snacks
Mealtimes are social occasions where children practise independence, conversation, and healthy eating habits. We encourage children to serve themselves, pour their own drinks, and help tidy up afterwards. These everyday moments are rich in learning – from mathematics (counting out fruit, setting places) to personal development (using good manners, taking responsibility).
Story time and reflection
The day draws to a close with a reflective story or a singing session. Children have the chance to share something they enjoyed or learned, helping to consolidate their experiences and build the metacognitive skills (thinking about their own thinking) that EYFS identifies as crucial for lifelong learning.
Story time and reflection
The day draws to a close with a reflective story or a singing session. Children have the chance to share something they enjoyed or learned, helping to consolidate their experiences and build the metacognitive skills (thinking about their own thinking) that EYFS identifies as crucial for lifelong learning.
Home time
Parents and carers are welcomed at pick-up time, and our team is always available to discuss how the day has gone. For more detailed updates, we share regular observations and photographs through our online learning journal, alongside scheduled parent-teacher conversations, ensuring families remain closely connected to their child’s development and progress.
Home time
Parents and carers are welcomed at pick-up time, and our team is always available to discuss how the day has gone. For more detailed updates, we share regular observations and photographs through our online learning journal, alongside scheduled parent-teacher conversations, ensuring families remain closely connected to their child’s development and progress.
Home time
Parents and carers are welcomed at pick-up time, and our team is always available to discuss how the day has gone. For more detailed updates, we share regular observations and photographs through our online learning journal, alongside scheduled parent-teacher conversations, ensuring families remain closely connected to their child’s development and progress.