We are proud of our dedicated garden area that we use for Nature play. Nature play uses hands on learning in an outdoor environment. Children are encouraged to develop their independence and assess their own risk-taking. It improves their decision making, and raises both confidence and self-esteem through small achievable activities. Nature Play allows opportunities for all areas of the curriculum to be incorporated.
The latest Ofsted inspection commented in its key findings…. “The weekly forest school/nature play session provides children with a wealth of opportunities to explore and investigate outdoors. They excitedly hunt for bugs, climb and balance, run around freely, play cooperatively, and learn to use tools safely.”
As we all know, fresh air and exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and assists our children’s physical development. Research has shown that outdoor learning can enhance children’s education across all areas of the curriculum. Not all children have access to outdoor space to play, making Nature Play an invaluable facility.
Activities we incorporate include:
- mud painting
- making mud pies
- leaf kebabs
- digging
- bug hunting
- using mallets and stakes
- den building
- making homes for our wild animals (soft toys)
- collecting ‘treasure’ in baskets
- rolling in the leaves
- playing hide and seek (1, 2, 3, where are you?)
- much more ….
