Outdoor Learning

 Our Outdoor Learning environment

At Caterpillars Day Nursery, we understand the importance of outdoor learning. It is widely recognised that children accessing day care facilities need a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities. Physical exercise and fresh air are crucial to the natural process of child development.

We have an outdoor area which is continuously developing thanks to the commitment of a staff team who continually strive to provide a balanced curriculum which includes a well-planned outdoor environment where children are allowed freedom of movement, the key to quality learning.

Exploring the outdoor environment 

Children gain enormous benefits from learning outdoors. Here at Caterpillars children access our outdoor space on a daily basis – regardless of all except the worst weather. 
Being outdoors allows them to move around without many of the restrictions of being inside. They can fill their lungs with clean air and use all of their senses to appreciate the colours, different noises, the sense of space and of scale. Being outdoors supports confidence and allows opportunities for big scale play, problem-solving and creativity in the company of other children. Physical activity is enhanced. So is calculated risk taking. In the outdoors, children’s use of language is five times greater than indoors.

Effective practice outdoors 

 Effective practice outdoors involves providing opportunities for children in meaningful, engaging
experiences that support their development in all areas of the curriculum. 

This will include opportunities
for children to:
- be excited, energetic, adventurous, noisy, messy;
- talk, listen, interact, make friends;
- imagine, dream, invent, fantasise;
- create, invent, construct, deconstruct;
- investigate, explore, discover, experiment with their own ideas and theories;
- make sounds and music, express ideas and feelings;
- find patterns, make marks, explore different media and materials;
- investigate concepts and ideas;
- be active, run, climb, pedal, jump, throw;
- dig, grow, nurture, cultivate;
- hide, relax, find calm, reflect;
- have responsibility, be independent, collaborate with others.

What will my child explore outside?

All children have access to a secured garden throughout the day, where they can play and socialise. We organise various learning activities on a regular basis, both indoors and outdoors. 

Our CCTV also covers our outdoor areas to ensure the maximum safety for your children. 

All staff will encourage outdoor play in all different types of weathers and situations. We also strive to provide opportunities for learning within the local area of the nursery.
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