A Day in the Life at Bright Horizons: My Child’s Journey from Baby to Preschool
Meet Sam, Dina, and Hannah, all members of our fantastic Parent Panel*; a diverse community of Bright Horizons parents sharing their experiences of raising happy, thriving and confident children. In this blog, our parents share their children’s days at Bright Horizons.
*Incentivised content
My baby’s day in the life at Bright Horizons
Almost every nursery day starts the same for my baby. When we arrive, she is often reluctant to go in (sometimes full-on refusing). Luckily, I drop another child off afterwards, so as I leave, I get to see that within minutes she is completely settled and happily playing. It is easy to worry they will cry all day after a tough drop-off, but she calms down so quickly.
Throughout the day, we get updates on all the activities she is doing. She’s quite opinionated and does not always join in straight away, but she often joins in at her own pace. Once she is ready, she is all about singing, dancing, and anything messy. She gets exposed to so many different messy activities that I would struggle to organise at home. It’s lovely to open the app during the day and see all the fun things she has been up to.
My child loves her food, and the updates we get about her meals are so reassuring. They let us know what she is eating and how much, which is comforting (especially during tricky phases at home). It has also inspired us to try new foods we would never have considered after seeing how much she enjoys them at nursery.
She has really thrived since starting nursery. Her key person has been so supportive and patient. She can definitely be a clingy baby, but nursery has given her the confidence to approach other people and babies in new environments.
My toddler’s day in the life at Bright Horizons
At Bright Horizons, every day is filled with exciting learning experiences that contribute to my child's growth and development. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day at nursery, showcasing the routine and the impact it has on their wellbeing.
Morning routine
The day starts with a warm welcome from the caring staff, who say hello and give a hug every day, creating a sense of belonging and security. After drop-off, my child engages in free play, choosing from a variety of activities that stimulate their curiosity and creativity. This time allows them to explore their interests and play with the other children.
Story time
After playtime, the children gather for story time. This is one of my child’s favourite parts of the day. During this time, they sing songs, share experiences, and listen to stories. It promotes language development and helps my little one feel part of a community. The interactive nature fosters their confidence as they express themselves and participate in discussions. This sense of connection is essential for their wellbeing.
Activities
Throughout the day, they have various activities ranging from art to cooking, all tailored to enhance specific skills. My child particularly enjoys the sensory play stations, where he likes to explore different textures and materials.
Outdoor play
Outdoor play is my little one’s favourite, allowing him to burn off energy and interact with nature. Whether they are climbing, running, or participating in group games, this time outdoors is crucial for their physical development and mental health. The ability to explore and enjoy the fresh air significantly boosts their mood and overall wellbeing.
Mealtimes
Mealtimes at Bright Horizons are communal and encourage healthy eating habits, sitting around a table together. My child enjoys sitting with friends, learning to share, and trying new foods. The focus on nutritious meals not only promotes good physical health but also instils positive attitudes towards eating.
Communication through the app
Bright Horizons keeps parents informed about my little one’s activities through a dedicated app. It provides updates on their daily routine, milestones, and photos capturing moments of joy at nursery including pictures. This method reassures me that my child is thriving and allows me to reinforce learning at home by discussing their day.
Reflecting on my child's journey from baby to preschool at Bright Horizons, it’s clear that each element of his daily routine is designed to nurture his physical, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing. The combination of activities, social interactions, and communication contributes to a positive nursery experience that sets the groundwork for his future learning and development. Each day is a step forward in their journey, filled with discovery, joy, and a sense of belonging.
My preschooler’s day in the life at Bright Horizons
My child has been with Bright Horizons since she was 6 months old so I think she would consider herself a pro!
First things first
The routine of finding her picture and choosing a peg for her bag has been a constant from day one. Now she does it automatically, then picks her friend’s pictures and puts them on the pegs next to her. We have found that this routine helps with any slight wobbles at drop-off as she shines when praised for carrying out this first activity and/or helping her friends.
Early starter
I start work at 8.30am which means that my daughter is often the first in the room. This has really helped her confidence as she can take stock of her surroundings before the crowd descends! She also gets the opportunity to help set up the activities for the morning, which she loves.
The other bonus of being early is that she has the opportunity to proudly show off her toy of the day to the nursery team. After which she happily runs off to hang up her coat before running back for a quick cuddle and then racing off to wash hands before breakfast.
Favourite activities
My child is at her happiest when she is making a mess outside or mark making. We take home reams of paper each day, the craft cupboard must be bottomless! However, nothing holds her attention quite as much as bucket time!*
And finally - the app
We found the app invaluable when trying to manage nap transitions and potty training as they are all recorded. The WOW moments that the nursery staff record are beautiful moments of her enjoying herself and provide a perfect conversation starter at the end of the day. They help extend conversation beyond “What did you do today darling”, “Nothing”.
*Children sit in a semi-circle in front of an adult with a small plastic bin. The item in the bin is slowly revealed and shown to the children. Simple but effective.