📆A Day at Pennywell – Calm, Caring and Full of Learning
At Pennywell Early Years Centre, every day is thoughtfully planned to give children a balance of play, learning, routine, and care. Our days flow with purpose and calm, helping children feel safe, confident, and excited to explore the world around them.
We understand how important a sense of security and consistency is for young children. That’s why we follow a well-structured daily routine that provides comfort and predictability, while still allowing flexibility to follow the interests of the children.
👋A Warm Welcome
Our day begins with a warm welcome from our friendly staff. Children are greeted by their key person, who helps them settle in and start the day feeling happy and secure. Families are always welcome to chat and share any updates, helping us work in partnership with you right from the start of the day.
🎨Exploring Through Play
Children move into our carefully planned learning environments; both indoors and outdoors, where they are free to explore a wide range of activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Whether it’s mark-making, building, role-playing, painting, or investigating nature, our team supports every child to follow their interests and challenge themselves through play.
👫Key Group Time
Each day includes key group time, a chance for children to gather with their key person and a small group of friends. These special times are used to talk, listen, share stories, sing songs, and explore ideas together. It’s a moment for connection, learning, and building strong social bonds.
🍎Healthy Snacks and Lunchtime
We provide healthy, nutritious snacks to keep children energised and focused throughout the day. Lunchtime is a lovely social experience, where staff sit with the children, encouraging independence, conversation, and positive mealtime habits.
🥪 Healthy Packed Lunches
At Pennywell Early Years Centre, we encourage healthy eating as part of our commitment to children’s wellbeing and development. Children who stay for lunch bring their own packed lunch and we ask that it includes a balanced variety of foods to give them the energy and nutrition they need to play, learn and grow.
A healthy packed lunch might include:
A starchy food like bread, wraps, rice or pasta
Protein such as lean meats, cheese, eggs or beans
At least one portion of fruit and vegetables
A dairy item like yoghurt or cheese
Water or milk to drink
We kindly ask that packed lunches do not include sweets, chocolate bars, fizzy drinks or energy drinks. A small treat like a plain biscuit or low-sugar yoghurt is fine in moderation.
Need some inspiration? These websites offer great, parent-friendly advice on creating balanced lunchboxes:
🔗 NHS Change4Life – Healthy Lunchbox Ideas
https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/
🔗 British Nutrition Foundation – Healthy Packed Lunches
https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthy-living/helping-your-child-to-eat-well/packed-lunches.html
🔗 NHS Eatwell Guide (balanced plate visual)
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide/
🌿Outdoor Adventures
Our outdoor areas are open every day; no matter the weather! We believe that outdoor play is vital for children’s physical and emotional development. From splashing in puddles to climbing, digging, and exploring natural materials, the outdoors offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
🌅Reflecting and Winding Down
As the day comes to a close, we take time to reflect on what we’ve learned and enjoyed. We share stories, sing together, and say goodbye with calmness and care. Your child’s key person will be available at pick-up time to share any special moments from the day, and through our Learning Journal app, you’ll receive regular updates and photos that capture the magic of their experiences.
💛At Pennywell, no two days are the same, but every day is filled with warmth, wonder, and meaningful learning. We work hard to make sure your child feels valued, supported, and excited to return each morning.
