Following children’s routines at nursery

Why following children’s routines at nursery is important?

Before starting nursery some children have a set routine, this is more common in younger children. These routines work well for both child and parent, allowing parents to plan their day.  Some children as they get older grow out of their daytime routine but still have a bedtime routine. 

It is important that when a child starts nursery their routine is followed as this keeps continuity for the child. Starting nursery can be a distressing time for a child but having some form of normality eg routine can help them settle.

Developing a strong relationship with parents is key to helping the key person understand the child’s routine. As early years practitioners it can be difficult to accommodate children’s individual routines as well as following nursery’s routine, but by having a flexible approach this can create that homely feel for children.

Adapting to nursery’s routine

Nurseries tend to find that children may begin to fall into nursery’s daily routine eg playing in the morning sleeping in the afternoon, if this is the case ensure this is being communicated with parents . Some parents may still prefer that their child is offered a sleep in the morning as sleeping in the afternoon can cause difficultly in getting the child to sleep at night. It’s all about working with parents not against them to ensure the child’s needs are being met.

The more younger children will have set routines that parents have established eg set times for bottles etc. Again following these routines are more crucial for younger children as they don’t have the ability to tell you verbally their needs. With regard to communicating children’s routines how is this shared with the key person when a child starts in your setting?

Who’s responsibility is it to ensure child’s routine is followed

Many nurseries use the approach that the child’s key person is the person who ensures the child’s routine is followed, however it is good practice that other practitioners are made aware of children’s routines just in case that key person is off poorly or on holiday. Some nurseries have a key person buddy system that works really well in these cases. How effective is your buddy system?

By following children’ routines at nursery this can create a smooth transition into nursery and help meet the needs of both the child and parents leading to a happy outcome.