Environment & Curriculum
Children learn best in environments that feel safe, natural and calm.
At Circadian Nest, we design both our spaces and our curriculum around human biology — light, nature, rhythm and nervous system health — so children can grow with ease and joy.
Our Environment
Natural Light
Light is the strongest signal for the body clock.
- We maximise natural daylight
- Curtains stay open
- We avoid harsh overhead lighting
- We use warm, low-blue lighting only when needed
- Our nap spaces use red/amber light to protect melatonin and support deep rest
Outdoor Time (Core, Not Optional)
We go outside every day, in all safe weather.
- Sunlight sets the circadian rhythm
- Grounding calms the nervous system
- Nature supports sensory development
- Children learn best in real environments, not just indoors
Outdoor time is not a break from learning — it IS the learning.
Calm, Low-Stimulation Indoor Spaces
Our rooms are designed to regulate, not overwhelm.
- Soft, neutral colours
- Natural materials
- Toxin-aware environment
- Clear, uncluttered layouts
- Cosy, homelike spaces
- Quiet zones for emotional regulation
Nervous System Regulation
We don’t use behaviour charts or time-out corners.
We help children regulate through:
- Rhythm and predictable routines
- Gentle transitions
- Breath, movement and sensory tools
- Co-regulation with calm adults
When the nervous system feels safe, behaviour follows naturally.
Our Rooms
Nestlings Room (Babies)
A warm, nurturing space where babies feel safe, held and bonded.
- Responsive care
- Sensory calm
- Floor time, tummy time, one-to-one connection
- Flexible sleep and feeding
- Gentle exposure to nature and fresh air
Fledglings Room (Toddlers)
A space for movement, curiosity and growing independence.
- Daily outdoor exploration
- Gross motor play
- Early language and social interaction
- Simple group rhythms
- Co-regulation and emotional support
Soaring Room (Preschool)
A space to think, imagine and prepare for the wider world.
- Nature-based projects
- Storytelling and early literacy
- Problem solving and creativity
- Real-life skills and responsibility
- Emotional resilience and confidence
Emotional Development & Attachment
Healthy learning starts with healthy relationships.
- Strong key person system
- Emotional safety and trust
- Secure attachment
- Confidence, empathy and resilience
Our Curriculum
We follow the EYFS framework, but we deliver it in a way that honours how children naturally learn.
Child-Led Learning
- Children choose based on interest
- Play is the vehicle for learning
- Adults guide, observe and extend — not control
- Each child progresses at their own pace
Nature-Based & Seasonal
- Learning is connected to the natural world
- Seasons shape activities and rhythms
- Real-life experiences replace worksheets
Embedded EYFS Areas
We meet and exceed all EYFS areas through:
- Language development in story and conversation
- Physical development through movement and outdoor play
- Mathematics through real-world problem solving
- Literacy through songs, stories and mark-making
- Understanding the world through nature and exploration
- Expressive arts through open-ended creativity
- Personal, social and emotional development through secure relationships