What is Outdoor Learning?
Based on the success of many Scandinavian countries, we invite the children to come outside to learn through play and exploring the world they inhabit. Everyday, we try to spend time outside and rather than shying away from our British weather, we embrace it and use every opportunity as a learning experience. Rain, wind, ice and even snow all help the children develop. Seeing the seasons first hand and watching nature unfold is, for some, no longer an option, but here at Oxhill Nursery we share these vital experiences with the children who thrive on fresh air and wonderful stimulation.
As children play outside all year round, we ask that they are dressed appropriately for the weather. Nursery provide waterproof suits and coats which we teach children to put on before they access the outside areas. We ask children to bring in a pair of named wellington boots and a sunhat which will be kept in their individual welly boxes.
The Outdoors
We have an extensive garden which includes a range of climbing equipment with a tunnel, bridge, cargo nets and a wide slide; sand and water exploration, mud kitchens, large yard for wheeled toys and ball games, roly-poly hill and an allotment with greenhouse where we can grow our own vegetables. Each area has been carefully planned to create an environment suited to each particular age group, they can run, jump, climb, balance, look for insects, read books, play in dens or the wooden play house, dig in the sand box, find treasure or make maps.
Nature Play
Part of the outdoor area has been developed into our very own nature garden where the grass has been allowed to grow long to provide a magical area to encourage children’s imagination and exploration skills. A number of trees have been planted and the wild blackberry and raspberry bushes flourish which helps to teach children about seasonality. A number of woodland creatures have visited our nature garden over the years and we have built our own bug hotel. The children are encouraged to explore this area safely, which offers them a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions.
