…And great for child development too!
Outdoor space is so important and all of our nurseries ensure the children go outside every day and ideally “free flow” i.e. when they want to. Even if it’s raining or cold when you visit the nursery, ask to see the outside area and hopefully, you will find some children having fun splashing in puddles! Being outside increases oxygen to the brain which aids development.
Not only does playing outside help children develop a sense of wonder, which is an important motivation for lifelong learning, it will also help develop self-confidence and self-regulation. Children that play outside will have reduced anxiety and stress levels and the fresh air has been proven to improve moods. Each nursery organises trips outside of the nursery to allow the children to explore and experience their environment outside of the nursery.
We strive to support practitioners in being inspirational and create moments infused with that same quality, because we can show our children just how beautiful the world really is. Our Tops Forest Schools have provided us with an opportunity for children to learn to recognise and assess risk for themselves, under the supervision and care of nursery practitioners.
“Play is essential for children’s wellbeing and development. When planning and providing play opportunities, the goal is not to eliminate risk, but to weigh up the risks and benefits. No child will learn about risk if they are wrapped in cotton wool” HSE
