Our Shared Approach
At The Garden of Eden, the environment and daily rhythm are shaped by a shared approach that supports high-quality early years practice while remaining rooted in Christian values.
Both childminders working within the hub follow the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and are aligned in their commitment to creating a warm, nurturing space where children feel safe, valued, and supported to flourish in every area of development.
Child-led play sits at the heart of daily life at the hub. Children are encouraged to follow their interests, build independence, and develop confidence and curiosity at their own pace, supported by attentive adults who respond thoughtfully to their needs.
Time spent outdoors is an important part of our shared approach. Nature is viewed as a rich learning environment where children can explore, imagine, move freely, and develop a sense of wonder about the world around them, supporting both wellbeing and learning.
Faith is reflected gently and respectfully throughout the day through shared values, positive role-modelling, moments of prayer, music, and storytelling. The fruits of the Spirit, such as kindness, patience, joy, and self-control, are lived out in everyday interactions, helping children build strong relationships and emotional awareness.
This shared approach provides a consistent foundation across the hub, while allowing flexibility to respond to the individual needs, interests, and rhythms of the children.
The section below offers a glimpse into how this approach comes to life during a typical day at The Garden of Eden.
A Day at the Garden of Eden
At The Garden of Eden, both childminders follow a shared daily rhythm that brings consistency, security, and familiarity for children, while allowing each childminder to respond sensitively to the needs of the children in their care.
The day is gently structured to balance child-led play, outdoor learning, rest, and guided activities, creating a calm flow that supports children’s wellbeing, confidence, and development.
A Typical Day May Include:
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Children Arriving – A warm welcome to help children settle and feel at home
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Breakfast – A relaxed start to the day
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Prayer Circle / Wellbeing Time – A gentle moment for reflection, gratitude, and emotional check-ins
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Child-Led Free Play – Time for children to explore, imagine, and choose their play
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Morning Snack
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Morning Outdoor Play – Exploring, moving, and learning through nature
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Back to the Hub
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Child-Led Free Play
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Lunch – A calm, social time to eat and connect
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Sensory / Quiet / Nap Time – Supporting rest, regulation, and individual sleep needs
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Adult-Led Activity – Arts and Crafts/Planned experiences linked to children’s interests and the EYFS
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Afternoon Snack
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Afternoon Outdoor Play
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Story or Music Time – Singing, listening, and winding down together
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Home Time – A gentle end to the day