At Innovative Early Learning all of our children participate in daily learning experiences which enhance all areas of their development but we believe in a flexible day routine for all children which means nothing is set in stone, it allows us to maximise children’s learning and gives the children many opportunities to extend on their play and have input into what they would like to do, we may substitute something on our plan for that day with something else, Eg. children are outside and having fun creating ‘Pies’ in our mud kitchen and so we decide to extend on that activity rather than going back inside to continue other activities. Other times we may shorten outside play if the children are doing other activities inside. This also allows lots of opportunities to include spontaneous learning into our plan as well. Schedules and routines are important for both children and adults. We all like to know what our day will be like.

Routines help children to feel in control of their day but it is also important to allow time for children to make independent choices about their learning as it empowers them and ensures their voices are heard and they feel respected.

We also like to have a Responsive Schedule for our babies and toddlers and also view all of our babies and toddlers as capable and competent. Each child is unique in personality, needs, and responsiveness. When caring for babies and toddlers, flexibility is very important. For example, some babies take shorter naps throughout the day and others may take one or two longer naps. At Innovative Early Learning we work closely with families to discuss any preferences and routines that have been put in place before they begin at the centre so that collaboratively we create a cohesive and consistent relationship between home and the centre environments

Children’s schedules are guided and supported by all of our team and are based on what is learned through observations and connections with our families. Our teachers strive to understand all children’s needs and assist children to confidently transition from one experience to another while supporting their autonomy.