Daily Rhythm | Stepping Stones Chil

Stepping Stones Daily Rhythm

Our daily rhythm intentionally balances play, learning, rest, relationships and responsibility. Each part of the day reflects our shared values of Community, Kindness, Joy, Growth and Gratitude

7:30AM – 9:30AM
Arrival and Outdoor Play.
Community and Belonging

Shared Yard – K1 & K2 Together

Outdoor yard open from service opening (weather permitting)
Children are welcomed into a shared play space that nurtures connection, friendships and a sense of belonging
Educators support gentle transitions with kindness and reassurance
Indoor spaces remain available for quiet settling, fine motor table activities and individual connection

9:30AM – 10:00AM
Mat Time & Morning Tea.
Gratitude and Connection

Gathering together for songs, stories, prayer, Acknowledgement of Country and shared conversation
Children practise gratitude, listening and respectful participation
Morning tea enjoyed in a calm, social environment
Outdoor yard reset as needed

10:00AM –11:00AM
Outdoor Play (K1).
Indoor Learning (K2).
Growth through Safe Exploration & Purposeful Learning

K1 – Outdoor Yard (Exclusive):

Gentle gross motor exploration, sensory discovery and confidence building
Educators scaffold risk-taking with care and encouragement

K2 – Indoor Learning:

Intentional teaching experiences led by educators
Table-based learning activities supporting early literacy, numeracy and fine motor growth
Learning centres and provocations that encourage curiosity, thinking and persistence

11:00AM – 12:00PM

Outdoor Play (K2). Indoor Learning (K1).

Growing Independence, Capability & Confidence

K2 – Outdoor Yard (Exclusive):

Physical challenge, cooperative play and leadership opportunities
Building resilience, teamwork and perseverance

K1 – Indoor Learning:

Intentional small-group teaching moments
Hands-on table activities supporting emerging skills and independence
Learning centres that promote language, imagination and joyful exploration.

11.30AM – 12:00 PM

K1 Lunch.

K1 Children wash their hands, collect their lunch boxes and water bottles, and enjoy their meal together. This communal time supports independence and good mealtime habits.

12:00PM – 12:30PM
K2 Lunch.

K2 Children wash their hands, collect their lunch boxes and water bottles, and enjoy their meal together. This communal time supports independence and good mealtime habits.

12:00PM – 1:00PM

Rest Time.
Wellbeing & Balance

After lunch, children unwind with a quiet rest period. This time offers the children:

Calm rest and relaxation spaces
Individual needs respected with compassion and flexibility
Quiet reflection and emotional regulation supported

1:00PM – 2:30PM

Indoor Learning & Small Groups. Growth, Curiosity & Joy

Table-based experiences building focus, skill development and confidence
Learning centres and provocations that invite creativity, inquiry and collaboration
Educators nurture meaningful relationships and celebrate individual progress
Intentional teaching embedded across the program

2:30PM – 3:00PM Afternoon Tea & Outdoor Play.
Community & Gratitude

Shared Yard – K1 & K2 Together

Afternoon tea enjoyed outdoors, strengthening connection and wellbeing
Children practise gratitude, conversation and shared responsibility
Relaxed transition back into outdoor play

3:00pm – 5:30pm
Outdoor Play & Departures.
Joy, Connection & Belonging

Shared Yard – K1 & K2 Together

Open-ended outdoor play supports joy, imagination and friendships
Educators intentionally guide social learning, emotional regulation and inclusion
Families are welcomed into warm end-of-day connections and shared gratitude

Our Practice in Action

Educators intentionally balance indoor and outdoor learning environments to ensure children experience a rich and meaningful program inclusive of intentional teaching, table-based learning, and engaging learning centres, alongside daily access to physical play and outdoor exploration. Differentiated use of the single outdoor yard supports age-appropriate challenge while maintaining equitable access for all children.

Through this intentional rhythm of the day, we nurture joy in learning, kindness in relationships, growth in capability and confidence, gratitude in everyday moments, and a strong sense of belonging within our community — building a joyful, kind community, one step at a time.