Daily life
Every day at the University of St Andrews Nursery is carefully planned to provide a balance of play, learning, rest, and exploration, with age-appropriate routines that support each child’s development, wellbeing, and individual needs in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
Daily routines
Our nursery day is designed to provide a balance of structure and flexibility to meet children’s needs. Each age group has tailored routines, but all children experience a mix of free play, group activities, outdoor play, and quiet moments.
(AGE 0-2) Babies
Individual care routines including naps, feeds, sensory play, and outdoor walks.
(AGE 2-3) Toddlers
Opportunities for imaginative play, music, art, outdoor exploration, and small group learning.
(AGE 3-5) Preschoolers
Play-based learning linked to the Curriculum for Excellence, Forest and Beach Kindy sessions, and preparation for school transitions. As a funded room we also follow Fife Council Core Provision guidance.
Settling in
To ensure a smooth transition to help children settle quickly and comfortably, we offer an initial two one hour settling in sessions for children in all classes are scheduled prior to a child’s official start. This might be increase based on the child and their needs. It provides an opportunity for children to become familiar with the environment and meet our practitioners.
Meals & snacks (healthy eating policy)
Meals and snacks are provided, with a focus on healthy eating, following Scottish Government Setting the Table guidance. Our menu is rotated on a weekly.
Children are encouraged to help set the table and participate in mealtimes.
Naps and rest time
For children aged 3–5, naps are not required, but quiet rest time is available.
We offer children in the 2-3 room the option of outdoor sleeping under our living grass roof or indoors in our cosy room.
Childsmile oral health programme
Childsmile is a NHS programme designed to improve the oral health of children in Scotland. Children in the Nursery participate in this supervised toothbrushing programme.