A typical day at Landsdale Early Learning and Enrichment: routines, play and connection!

Landsdaleele
Jul 13
6 min read

Choosing an early learning centre is a big decision, and one of the most common questions families ask is: What will my child’s day actually look like?

At Landsdale Early Learning and Enrichment, each day is thoughtfully planned to give children a sense of rhythm, security and belonging, while still allowing plenty of flexibility for individual needs, interests and stages of development.

From the first morning welcome through to home time, children are supported with warm relationships, familiar routines, play-based learning, outdoor exploration, rest, meals and meaningful communication with families.

A calm and welcoming start to the day

The day begins from 6:30am, with children warmly welcomed by educators as they arrive.

For early arrivals, the morning often begins in a shared room environment, where children can settle in gently, enjoy breakfast if needed and ease into the day with familiar faces around them.

This arrival period is an important part of the childcare routine. It gives educators time to greet each child, connect with families, support handovers and help children transition from home to the centre in a calm and reassuring way.

For younger children, especially those in the Nursery, this might mean extra comfort, a slower start or following their individual routine closely. For older children, it may be a chance to begin the day with free play, social interaction and connection with friends.

Nursery Room: care, comfort and individual routines

In the Nursery Room, for children aged 6 weeks to 2 years, the day is centred around care, comfort and each child’s unique rhythm.

While there is a gentle flow to the day, the Nursery routine is flexible and responsive. Naps, feeds, playtime and comfort needs are guided by each child’s individual routine, with educators supporting them through nurturing interactions and calm care moments.

A typical Nursery day may include:

Early morning arrival and settling in
Free-flow play indoors and outdoors, weather permitting
Morning tea around 8:30 - 8:45am
Sensory experiences, gentle activities and one-on-one educator interaction
Individual naps, feeds and play routines
Lunch around 11:00am
Afternoon tea around 2:00pm
Wind-down time from around 4:45pm

Regular care moments, including nappy changes and personal care routines, are thoughtfully built into the day. These everyday moments are not rushed, they are opportunities for connection, communication and trust-building between children and educators.

In the Nursery, everything revolves around helping children feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world at their own pace.

Little Toddlers Room: growing independence

In the Little Toddlers Room, for children aged 2 to 3 years, children begin to enjoy a gentle group routine while still receiving individual care and attention.

This stage is often about growing confidence, independence, communication and social skills. Children are supported to participate in short group moments, play alongside peers and begin building familiarity with the daily rhythm of the centre.

A typical Little Toddlers routine may include:

Morning arrival and free play from 6:30 - 8:45am
Short mat time around 8:45am, with songs, stories and connection
Morning tea around 9:00am
Play-based learning activities from around 9:45am
Nappy changes and care routines throughout the day
Lunch around 11:00am
Rest and recharge time from approximately 11:30am - 1:20pm
Afternoon tea around 2:00pm
Indoor or outdoor afternoon play from 2:00 - 4:30pm
Home time routines from around 4:30pm

At this age, routines help children feel secure. Knowing what comes next builds predictability, while play-based experiences encourage language, movement, problem-solving, friendships and independence.

Kindy and Preschool Rooms: confident learners, ready for school

In the Kindy and Preschool Rooms, for children aged 3 to 5 years, the routine becomes more structured while still keeping learning fun, active and meaningful.

Children are supported to build independence, friendships and school readiness through a balance of free play, group learning, intentional experiences and quiet time.

A typical Kindy and Preschool day may include:

Morning free-flow play from 6:30 - 8:45am
Group mat session around 8:45am, including songs, discussions and a learning focus
Morning tea around 9:00am
Activity-based group time around 9:30am
Learning experiences from 9:45 - 10:30am, both individual and group-based
Lunch around 11:00am
Rest or quiet time from approximately 11:30am - 1:30pm
Afternoon tea around 2:00pm
Active afternoon play from 2:00 - 4:30pm
Home time routines from around 4:30pm

These older children are encouraged to explore, create, collaborate and take increasing responsibility for parts of their day. Educators support learning through discussions, stories, creative experiences, movement, problem-solving and opportunities to practise social and emotional skills.

The aim is to help children feel confident and capable, and not just prepared for school, but prepared to approach new experiences with curiosity and resilience.

Learning through play, every day

Across all rooms, play is at the heart of the Landsdale ELE approach.

Play-based learning allows children to explore ideas, practise new skills and make sense of the world around them. During the day, children may engage in sensory play, construction, imaginative play, music, storytelling, art, outdoor exploration, movement and small group experiences.

Educators observe children’s interests and use those moments to extend learning naturally. A child building with blocks might be exploring balance, problem-solving and early maths. A group game outside might support teamwork, movement and communication. A quiet story moment might build language, listening and emotional connection.

This is why a typical day in childcare is about much more than a timetable. The routine provides the rhythm, but the learning happens through the relationships, conversations and experiences that fill the day.

Meals, rest and care routines are part of learning too

Meals, hygiene, rest and transitions are all important parts of the early learning routine.

Children are supported to wash hands, sit with peers, try foods, pack away, care for belongings, rest when needed and move between activities with support. These everyday routines help build independence, confidence and a sense of responsibility.

Rest and quiet time is also an important part of the day. Younger children may need naps according to their own routine, while older children may rest, recharge or engage in quiet activities. Educators are responsive to each child’s needs and help create a calm environment for emotional regulation and wellbeing.

Outdoor play and active afternoons

Outdoor play is an important part of the day at Landsdale ELE.

Depending on the weather, children have opportunities to explore indoor and outdoor spaces, move their bodies, play with peers and engage in active learning. Outdoor play supports confidence, coordination, teamwork, sensory exploration and appropriate risk assessment.

For toddlers and preschool-aged children, the afternoon often includes indoor or outdoor play between 2:00pm and 4:30pm, giving children time to reconnect after rest, enjoy movement and finish the day with creativity and social play.

Staying connected with families

Family communication is an important part of the Landsdale ELE experience.

Throughout the day and week, families may receive updates, photos, learning stories and information through Xplor, along with conversations with educators during drop-off and pick-up. These touchpoints help families understand what their child has been doing, how they are settling and what moments of learning or connection have stood out.

This communication also helps create consistency between home and the centre. Families are encouraged to share information about their child’s needs, routines and interests so educators can continue supporting them in a personalised way.

Home time and winding down

As the day comes to an end, children begin to wind down.

Home time may include packing away, late snacks, quiet play, shared spaces with other rooms or outdoor play, depending on the time of day and the needs of the children. Educators help children transition calmly and share key moments from the day with families where possible.

For many children, this familiar end-of-day rhythm helps them feel secure and connected from arrival through to pick-up.

Why routine matters in early learning

A strong early learning routine gives children a sense of safety and predictability. When children know what to expect, they can relax, participate and build confidence.

At Landsdale Early Learning and Enrichment, routines are not rigid. They are designed to support children while still allowing educators to respond to individual needs, weather, energy levels, interests and developmental stages.

From the Nursery through to Kindy and Preschool, each day is built around the same core priorities: care, connection, play, learning, rest and communication.