A Day in the Life at Dees Curious Minds: Our Daily Routine Explained
One of the first questions parents ask me is: "What does my child actually do all day?" It's a brilliant question — and I love answering it, because our days are full of purposeful, joyful activities.
Here's what a typical day looks like at Dees Curious Minds in Gillingham.
8:00 AM — Morning Welcome
Children arrive and settle in. We start with a warm welcome routine — coat hooks, water bottles, and a calm transition from home. This settling period is important for babies and toddlers, so we allow time for each child to arrive at their own pace.
8:30 AM — Free Play and Exploration
Children choose from available play stations: the building block area, sensory table, reading corner, or art desk. I observe and engage with each child individually, following their lead and gently extending their play.
9:30 AM — Circle Time
We gather for a short circle time: singing songs, counting, talking about the weather or the day of the week. This builds language, listening, and early number skills — all EYFS prime areas — in a natural, fun way.
10:00 AM — Focused Activity
Each day has a themed activity:
- Monday: Creative arts (painting, collage, clay)
- Tuesday: Sensory play (water, sand, slime, rice trays)
- Wednesday: Outdoor garden time and nature exploration
- Thursday: Fine motor skills (puzzles, threading, cutting)
- Friday: Music and movement session
11:00 AM — Snack Time
A healthy, balanced snack — fruit, rice cakes, cheese, or similar. Children help prepare and clear up, building independence and fine motor skills.
11:30 AM — Outdoor Time or Story Walk
Weather permitting, we head outside for garden time or a short local walk. Fresh air and physical movement are a core part of our daily programme.
12:30 PM — Lunch
Parents provide a packed lunch, which we eat together at the table. I encourage children to try new foods and manage their own cutlery — small skills that add up to big confidence.
1:00 PM — Rest / Quiet Time
Babies sleep. Toddlers have a quiet activity period — puzzles, books, or relaxed drawing — before afternoon activities.
2:00 PM — Afternoon Learning
A second focused activity or extension of the morning theme. Often this is a child-led project: building something, finishing artwork, or exploring a question they raised earlier in the day.
3:00 PM — Wind Down and Home Time
Children begin arriving home. We have a calm, happy handover — I give each parent a verbal or written update on what their child did, ate, and any highlights from the day.
"Every day is different, because every child is different. But the routine gives them the safety to explore confidently." — Denise
Want to see the setting in person? Book a free visit with Denise — we'd love to meet you and your little one.