At Daisy Chain, we create safe, accessible, enabling environments which form our continuous provision. These environments are tailored to the needs of each age group with clear intents, guidance on how this is implemented, along with processes to continuously review impact and children’s progress. These spaces are designed to encourage curiosity, independence, exploration, and learning through play.
Babies – Pixies
- Safe, nurturing spaces with soft areas, low-level sensory resources, and cosy corners.
- Opportunities to explore textures, sounds, and sights to support early cognitive and sensory development.
- Encouragement for movement and motor skill development, including tummy time and crawling areas including tummy time, crawling areas and outdoor play.
- Close adult interaction to build secure attachments and confidence.
Toddlers – Imps and Sprites
- Exploration-focused spaces with open-ended toys, sand/water trays, and creative areas.
- Areas for physical development such as climbing, balancing, and outdoor play.
- Opportunities for language development through songs, stories, and interactive activities.
- Social skills encouraged through small group play and guided peer interaction.
Pre-School – Elves
- Challenging and stimulating spaces to support independence, problem-solving, and imagination.
- Rich provision for literacy, numeracy, science, and creative expression.
- Outdoor areas for extended physical play, gardening, and discovery learning.
- Opportunities for collaborative projects, role play, and leadership within small groups.
Key Principles Across All Environments
- Spaces are safe, accessible, and inspiring.
- Resources are rotated and adapted to follow children’s interests and developmental stages.
- Adults scaffold learning by observing, interacting, and extending play without taking over.
- Environments reflect the EYFS principles and support all areas of learning and development.
The Importance of Outdoor Play in Our Curriculum
Outdoor play is a vital part of children’s learning and development. Our outdoor environments are carefully planned to provide rich opportunities for exploration, creativity, and physical activity.
Whole-Child
Development
Outdoor play supports physical health, coordination, and gross motor skills while also building confidence, problem-solving abilities, and resilience.
Connection
with Nature
Spending time outdoors nurtures curiosity about the natural world, encouraging care for the environment and a sense of wonder.
Social and
Emotional Growth
Group games and open-ended play foster teamwork, communication, and self-regulation
Curriculum
Links
Outdoor experiences are integrated across all areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring that key skills—such as early maths, literacy, and language are developed in meaningful, real-world contexts.
A Typical Day at Daisy Chain
At Daisy Chain, our daily routine balances play, learning, and rest to support each child’s development and wellbeing. Children enjoy a mix of child-led and adult-led activities, outdoor exploration, and quiet times, all designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and confidence.
Key Features of Our Daily Routine
Balanced Structure
Combines child-directed play, short adult-led learning opportunities such as group time, stories and singing, outdoor activities, and quiet/rest periods.
Flexibility
Timings adapt to each child’s age, needs, and interests.
Learning
Through Play
Supports the EYFS areas of learning and the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
Healthy Habits
Freshly prepared meals, healthy snacks, hydration, and plenty of outdoor activity promote wellbeing.
Social & Emotional Development
Group activities, collaborative play, and calm reflection times help children build confidence, empathy, and communication skills.
Safe & Nurturing
Environment
Practitioners provide guidance, support, and a secure space where children can explore and grow.