Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning

We have an amazingly large garden for a city based nursery. The children have access to the garden as and when they wish regardless of the weather or the time of day.

We use the garden as a room in the nursery, we promote outdoor learning which encourages children to be independent and confident learners

Over the years there has been a cultural shift in society, reducing access to outdoor play for many children. There are several factors as to why, such as the fear factor over safety, the blame factor and the list goes on. 

We feel that outdoor learning has been missed, and that it is time for us to shout about the benefits and the fact that we offer it. The Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) that was introduced in 2009 placed a strong emphasis on the importance and value of daily outdoor experiences on children’s learning and development.

Alfred Wainwright said, “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” 

During 1914 the importance of outdoor learning was being highlighted by Margaret McMillan and Rachel McMillan did ground breaking research into outdoor education and nurseries being open air. Today there are several outdoor nurseries offering forest schooling, whereas we understand that this type of learning may not be for every individual child, hence they are encouraged to free flow should they want to.

We have a wonderful garden, which is always green, where the children love to spend their time outside learning. The outdoor learning helps to support the development of physical activity, healthy and active lifestyles, whilst promoting a sense of well-being for both the children and the staff. 

The garden gives the children a natural world, outside of tablets, touch screen computers and today’s modern technical world that we live in. Outside learning offers a unique way of learning, more especially in the city centre nursery. Children who attend Cambridge Day Nursery can spend up to 90% of the warmer months outside, it drops slightly during the winter months but only to around 65%.