Outdoor Environment
A place to move, explore, investigate, imagine and discover — in our garden and our Balcony Play Area.
An Important Part of Every Day
Outdoor learning and play are part of children's everyday experiences here. Our large garden is central to nursery life, and our Balcony Play Area gives children additional opportunities to enjoy being outdoors — so they can explore on a bigger scale across different weather conditions, where appropriate.
Sand and water, a mud kitchen, wall-mounted chalkboards, slides, a tunnel, climbing equipment and outdoor cosy nooks all sit within one connected space children come to know well — somewhere to be physical, creative, imaginative, sociable and independent.
Our outdoor environment isn't separate from our learning environment – it's an extension of it.
- Climb
- Dig
- Pour
- Explore
- Imagine
- Investigate
- Discover
Learning Through Play, Outdoors
Children learn by doing, testing ideas on a bigger scale and following their own interests.
Our Mount Kilimanjaro structure gives children different ways to climb, crawl, balance and explore, with a large tunnel, slide and climbing opportunities from different directions. It supports gross motor development, coordination, confidence and independence while encouraging children to assess and manage appropriate physical challenges.
Curious About Nature
Weather, seasons, plants, insects and living things are explored first-hand, all year round.
From caterpillars on the planting beds to butterflies over the garden, children notice change, growth and life cycles season after season — building their Understanding of the World.
Seasons in Our Outdoor Environment
Children experience the changing seasons first-hand, noticing how the outdoor environment transforms across the year.
Throughout the year, children have opportunities to observe how the trees, plants, weather and natural environment change around them. These first-hand experiences spark curiosity, conversation and a deeper understanding of the world.
Our apple, pear and cherry trees give children a chance to follow the seasons closely — from blossom and new growth to fruit developing and being ready to pick.
Outdoor play in all weathers
Because we value outdoor play in every season, we ask parents and carers to provide a clearly labelled, full-body waterproof outfit (such as waterproof dungarees) and wellington boots. We also keep spare waterproofs and wellingtons available when needed, so children can comfortably enjoy outdoor exploration whatever the weather.
One Outdoor Environment, Seven Areas of Learning
Our outdoor environment supports every area of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The variety in our outdoor environment means learning doesn't have to be separated into individual activities — children build knowledge and skills naturally through their play, exploration, interests and interactions.
Our practitioners follow children's interests and build on the learning that arises during play: joining in sensitively, modelling and extending language, introducing new vocabulary, asking the right question at the right moment and helping children develop their own ideas.
So something as simple as exploring the fruit trees, playing imaginatively around the climbing frame, counting on the outdoor abacus or riding bikes on the patio becomes a meaningful opportunity for learning — with children leading their own play.
Communication & Language
Conversation, vocabulary, storytelling and shared play.
PSED
Confidence, cooperation, independence and relationships.
Physical Development
Climbing, balancing, digging, carrying, pouring and movement.
Literacy
Storytelling, mark-making and connecting discoveries with books.
Mathematics
Counting, comparing, measuring, capacity, shape and problem-solving.
Understanding the World
Nature, weather, seasons, living things and investigation.
Expressive Arts & Design
Imaginative play, creativity, building and exploring materials.
Space to Breathe
Fresh air
Room to run, stretch and play energetically outdoors.
Independence
Choosing their own play and managing coats and boots.
Quieter moments
Space to watch, potter and explore on their own terms.
Self-regulation
A chance to release energy and return to the room calmer.
Around the Outdoor Environment
Photographs of our own garden and Balcony Play Area.
Every Corner is an Opportunity to Learn
Outdoors, children have the space to be curious, adventurous, imaginative and wonderfully messy – all while learning through play.
Interested in joining our nursery?
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