As the signs of spring begin to appear, we’re reminded of just how powerful nature can be for children’s learning and wellbeing. At Brighter Beginnings, outdoor learning isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a vital part of our everyday practice.
Whether it’s Forest School sessions or daily garden adventures, being outside plays a crucial role in early development.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor play is an essential part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. It supports all seven areas of learning, with particular strength in:
- Physical Development: climbing, balancing, running, digging
- Communication and Language: storytelling, exploring new vocabulary, problem-solving
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: turn-taking, risk assessment, resilience-building
Benefits That Go Beyond the Classroom
Time spent outdoors gives children space to explore, experiment, and gain confidence in a way that indoor spaces can’t always offer. Some of the most powerful outcomes we see include:
- Greater independence and self-esteem
- Improved physical health and coordination
- Deeper curiosity and engagement with learning
- Stronger peer relationships through teamwork and imaginative play
What Outdoor Learning Looks Like at Brighter Beginnings
Across our nurseries, you’ll see children making the most of every outdoor opportunity. Some examples include:
- Mud Kitchen Explorations: where children mix, pour, and roleplay.
- Mini-Beast Hunts: encouraging observation, patience, and care for nature.
- Forest School Sessions: led by trained staff, these sessions focus on building resilience, risk awareness, and environmental respect.
We tailor each outdoor experience to be safe, stimulating, and age-appropriate, ensuring that children can enjoy their adventures with confidence.
Preparing for Outdoor Play
We encourage all parents to dress children for the weather—come rain or shine, we’re outside! Wellies, waterproofs, hats, and gloves all help children to feel comfortable and able to explore.
If you’re curious about our outdoor learning provision or have ideas to enhance it, we’d love to hear from you.
Nature is one of the greatest teachers, and we’re proud to make the outdoors a key part of every child’s learning journey.
