A Typical Day
Structured routines balanced with freedom to explore
Sheen Montessori Nursery operates on a term-time basis, following school holidays. Every day follows a carefully structured routine designed to support child-led learning within a prepared Montessori environment. Our day balances focused work cycles with outdoor play, snack time, and lunch, providing children aged 2-5 with the security and freedom to develop at their own pace.
Early Drop Off (Optional)
For families who need an earlier start, we offer an early drop-off option from 8:30am. Children enjoy calm, self-directed play in the prepared environment while the morning session begins. Early drop-off is available for an additional fee.
Arrival & Settling In
Children arrive and are warmly greeted by their key worker. This is a calm transition time with self-directed play as children settle into the Montessori environment. Parents share any important updates about their child's morning.
Work Cycle - Uninterrupted Learning
This is the heart of our Montessori day. Children engage in uninterrupted, self-directed work with the prepared materials in our classrooms. Activities span practical life, sensorial development, mathematics, language, and cultural studies. Mixed-age groupings (Bronte, Darwin, and Newton classrooms) allow peer learning and mixed-age collaboration.
Snack Time & Outdoor Play
Children enjoy fresh fruit, crackers, water, and milk in small groups. We then head outside to our gardens for physical play, exploration, and nature connection. Weather permitting, outdoor time is an essential part of every day.
Circle Time & Movement
Children gather for circle activities including songs, stories, movement, and discussion. This builds community and allows for focused group learning before lunch.
Lunch - Packed from Home
Children eat their packed lunch together in small groups with staff, encouraging conversation, social skills, and independence. We are strictly nut-free to ensure the safety of all our children. Please check our nutrition page for our packed lunch guidelines.
Rest & Quiet Time
Children enjoy quiet activities - stories, puzzles, calm independent play, or rest according to individual needs. This transition time helps children recharge before the afternoon session.
Afternoon Session & Enrichment Activities
The afternoon includes a blend of Montessori curriculum work and our enrichment programme. Activities vary by day and might include our specialist sports sessions, yoga and mindfulness, language clubs, science and nature exploration, or creative projects. Children rotate between classrooms for age-appropriate enrichment.
Wrap-around Care & Outdoor Time
For children staying beyond 3:00pm, we offer wrap-around care with more outdoor play, nature exploration, and quieter self-directed activities. This time allows for continued learning in a less structured environment.
Afternoon Snack
Fresh fruit, vegetables, and light snacks to keep energy levels up for those staying for wrap-around care.
Collection & Handover
As children are collected, we share highlights from the day with parents and guardians. Staff provide feedback about learning, play, and any important observations.
Nursery Closes
See you tomorrow!
Child-Led Within Structure
Our Montessori approach combines a clear daily structure with respect for each child's developmental pace. While the routine provides security, children have freedom to choose their activities during work cycles. If a child is deeply engaged in an activity, we protect that focus. The prepared environment and our trained staff support each child to develop independence, concentration, and a love of learning.