-allow children to follow their interests at length and in depth
-enable children to make their own decision about when to have snack,when to rest and when to be involved in inside or outside activities
-meet the changing needs of the children as the year progresses
-meet the demand and challenges of changing weather patterns during the year by, for example, taking account of children's and their own differing energy level in hot and cold weather
-allow ample opportunities for children to make choice during the day