Our Routine
Children feel safest when life is predictable, gentle and unhurried.
At Circadian Nest, we follow a calm daily rhythm — not a rigid schedule — so every child can settle, regulate and thrive.
Our routine supports:
- Healthy circadian rhythm
- Emotional security
- Calm behaviour
- Better sleep at night
- Natural learning and curiosity
We keep the flow consistent across all rooms, with small adjustments for each age group.
8:30 – 9:00 | Arrival & Calm Welcome
Children are greeted in a slow, gentle environment.
They settle in with free play, soft sensory invitations or outdoor time for natural morning light exposure.
9:00 | Breakfast Together
A calm, unhurried meal in a family-style setting.
We focus on connection, not rushing.
All age groups eat breakfast at the same time to anchor the day.
9:30 – 11:30 | Morning Exploration
Children move into deeper play, learning and outdoor time.
Depending on age, this may include:
- Nature walks and grounding
- Movement and sensory play
- Story time and songs
- Learning invitations and projects
- Social and emotional development
Outdoor time is daily and intentional — not just “playtime,” but biology, regulation and learning.
Staggered Lunchtimes (calm, age-appropriate)
- 11:30 – Nestlings (Babies)
- 11:45 – Fledglings (Toddlers)
- 12:00 – Soaring (Preschool)
Eating in smaller groups keeps mealtimes peaceful, supportive and developmentally appropriate.
12:30 onwards | Nap & Rest Time
All rooms enter a restorative rest period.
- Nestlings: sleep as needed, with a gentle main nap after lunch
- Fledglings: group nap in a darkened, quiet room
- Soaring: quiet rest, story time or mindfulness (sleep if needed)
Our nap sanctuary uses warm red/amber lighting to protect melatonin and support deep, healing sleep.
2:00 – 3:00 | Gentle Wake & Soft Play
Children wake slowly and re-enter the day calmly.
They enjoy indoor invitations, fine motor play or a short nature walk.
3:00 | Snack / Tea
A nourishing snack and time to reconnect socially.
3:30 – 5:00 | Afternoon Rhythm
A balance of indoor and outdoor experiences:
- Creative play
- Nature projects
- Small group learning
- Role-play and problem-solving
- Regulation and co-regulation practices
5:00 – 5:30 | Calm Goodbyes
We end the day gently so children leave settled, not overstimulated.
We share meaningful handovers with parents to support a smooth transition home.
How Each Room Flows
Nestlings Room (Babies)
A soothing, responsive environment with:
- Flexible feeds and naps
- Sensory calm and floor time
- Outdoor fresh air in prams or shaded spaces
- One-to-one bonding and secure attachment
Children feel safe, held and deeply nurtured.
Fledglings Room (Toddlers)
A space to explore with gentle freedom:
- Daily outdoor adventure
- Movement and gross motor play
- Group mealtimes and songs
- Early self-care and independence
- Emotional support through co-regulation
Children begin to stretch their wings with confidence.
Soaring Room (Preschool)
A place to rise, imagine and prepare for the world:
- Longer focus blocks
- Nature-based projects and enquiry learning
- Storytelling, language and early literacy
- Real-life skills and responsibility
- Emotional resilience and school readiness
Children are supported to think, create and fly.