WHY IS OUTSIDE LEARNING SO IMPORTANT?​​

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• The great outdoors is a playground for curious minds! Nature sparks creativity, challenges critical thinking and invites children to explore, question and reflect. 

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• Outside, children connect with the real world - noticing the changing seasons, watching how weather affects plants and understanding what birds and squirrels need to survive.

 

• With more space and less noise, children can dive deeper into learning, feel calmer and grow resilience and self-confidence.

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• Outdoor play also brings safe risks - climbing, balancing and exploring teach children how to manage feelings like fear and excitement, build self-regulation and tackle challenges with confidence.

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• Children can freely use open-ended resources to build dens, tents or other creations. Learning how to collaborate and help each other along the way.

 

• Our expansive outdoor spaces let children move, run and express themselves without limits. Gross motor skills like bike riding and climbing aren't just for fun - they lay the foundation for skills like writing.

 

• And let's not forget the health benefits! Fresh air boosts vitamin D, supports the immune system, reduces exposure to indoor toxins and helps regulate sleep through natural melatonin. Learning outside is good for the mind and the body!​

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SO, WHAT OUTSIDE LEARNING DO WE DO?

 

BABIES & TODDLERS

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We love free-flow play, letting children move between indoors and outdoors to follow their own interests. Every day, different activities are set up across all areas of the nursery to spark curiosity and fun.

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Outside, children explore the natural world - discovering baby snails, digging for wiggly worms and helping care for our vegetable patch and giant African snails.

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For little ones who need a calmer space, we have a quiet room for rest, gentle play or a cosy story.

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All children can enjoy climbing frames, balancing beams, bikes, a mud kitchen, sensory hut and huge sand bit - giving them space to move, stretch and play their hearts out!

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PRE-SCHOOLERS

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When the pandemic hit, we knew that the safest place for our older children was outdoors, come rain or shine! So, we brought the classroom outside and created a space where learning meets fresh air.

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Our 3 and 4 year olds enjoy all the usual stimulating activities to prepare them for school, the only difference? It's in a calmer, richer, outdoor environment.

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FOREST SCHOOL

Rachel, our enthusiastic pre-school lead & Deputy Manager, has completed her Level 3 Forest School training. Alongside her team, she brings the magic of the outdoors to life with weekly garden adventures for the pre-school class. From climbing and nature hunts to building intricate dens, every session is full of curiosity, fun and hands-on learning!

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WHAT IF IT RAINS

We put our hoods up! The children love popping on their wellies and splashing in the puddles. Rainy days ignite new adventures - scoops, containers and little sea creatures turn puddles into exciting investigations. We've also got cosy undercover spaces too! 

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Check out our recommended kit list which can be found here. 

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MINDFULNESS & REFLECTION

 

After tea, our pre-schoolers wind down by reflecting on their day. They take turns cuddling Saffie the dragon and sharing their feelings - a lovely way to talk about emotions, problem solving, sharing and taking turns.

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We also add a sprinkle of mindfulness at the end of yoga sessions, giving children a chance to tune into their bodies and notice how they are feeling.

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STILL HAVE SOME MORE QUESTIONS?

Please feel free to get in touch or book in a visit

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