Daily Routines for Childminders

What a Typical Day Looks Like

One of the most common questions aspiring childminders ask is:

“What does a real day actually look like?”

Many people worry that they’ll need a strict timetable, constant planned activities, or nursery-style structure to meet EYFS expectations.

The truth is very different.

Ofsted isn’t looking for rigid schedules, they’re looking for consistent routines, responsive care, and meaningful learning opportunities that fit naturally into a child’s day.

This guide shows you how to create a calm, flexible daily routine that works in a home setting and meets EYFS requirements.

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Why Daily Routines Matter in Childminding

Routines help children feel:

• Secure

• Settled

• Confident

For Ofsted, routines demonstrate that you:

• Understand children’s needs

• Can manage the day safely

• Support learning through everyday experiences

A routine doesn’t mean a timetable – it means predictability with flexibility.

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A Simple EYFS-Friendly Daily Structure

Most childminders follow a loose structure like this:

1. Arrival & settling in

2. Morning play & activities

3. Snack time

4. Outdoor play / outing

5. Lunch

6. Rest / quiet time

7. Afternoon play & activities

8. Home time

Let’s break this down in a realistic way.

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Morning: Arrivals & Settling In

 

Mornings should feel calm and welcoming.

What Ofsted Likes to See:

• Children greeted warmly

• Time for settling in

• Communication with parents

This is a great time for:

• Free play

• Talking about the day ahead

• Observing children’s moods and interests

There’s no need to rush into “activities” – settling in is learning.

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Morning Play & Learning Activities

This part of the day is usually child-led.

Offer a choice of activities that cover different EYFS areas:

• Construction toys

• Books

• Role play

• Creative materials

Your role is to:

• Observe

• Join play when appropriate

• Extend learning naturally

For example:

• Counting toys → maths

• Storytime → communication & literacy

• Role play → PSED

You don’t need worksheets or structured lessons.

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Snack Time & Hygiene Routines

Snack time supports:

• Independence

• Social skills

• Healthy eating

Use this time to:

• Encourage handwashing

• Talk about food

• Practice turn-taking

Inspectors like seeing hygiene routines embedded into the day.

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Outdoor Play or Outings

The EYFS expects daily outdoor play where possible.

This might include:

• Garden play

• Walks

• Trips to the park

• Scooters or balance bikes

Outdoor play supports:

• Physical development

• Confidence

• Exploration

If you don’t have a garden, explain your outing routine, Ofsted is fine with this.

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Lunch Time & Social Learning

Lunch is more than just eating.

It supports:

• Communication

• Manners

• Independence

Encourage children to:

• Serve themselves (age-appropriate)

• Try new foods

• Talk about their day

This naturally links to EYFS learning without any formal planning.

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Rest, Sleep & Quiet Time

Not all children sleep and that’s okay.

Depending on age:

• Babies may nap

• Toddlers may rest

• Older children may enjoy quiet play or books

What matters is:

• Safe sleep arrangements

• Supervision

• Calm environment

Be prepared to explain your sleep routine and checks to Ofsted.

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Afternoon Play & Wind-Down Activities

Afternoons are often more relaxed.

Good options include:

• Creative activities

• Reading

• Puzzles

• Role play

This is also a great time to:

• Reflect on the day

• Observe progress

• Prepare for home time

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Home Time & Parent Communication

End the day with:

• A friendly handover

• Brief feedback

• Sharing positives

Parents value:

• Knowing what their child enjoyed

• Hearing about progress

• Feeling informed

Ofsted values strong partnerships with parents.

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Do You Need Written Daily Plans?

No, not detailed ones.

Ofsted expects:

• Awareness of children’s needs

• Flexibility

• Evidence of learning over time

Many childminders use:

• A simple routine sheet

• Occasional activity planning

• Brief observations

Less paperwork, more presence.

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Common Routine Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overplanning every minute
❌ Forcing activities
❌ Rigid timetables
❌ Ignoring children’s moods
❌ Thinking EYFS must look “school-like”

Childminding works best when it feels like a home, not a classroom.