The outdoor classroom – an essential element of provision
Our outdoor area is more than just a garden, it is another classroom and an extension of the indoor nursery. Particularly during the children’s settling in period, the outdoor classroom provides a space where children can explore without feeling ‘enclosed’ within a new environment. We are lucky enough to have a vast outdoor space for the nursery children to access on a free-flow basis and it is always popular and busy. The weather doesn’t stop us and as the children bring wellies and warm, waterproof clothing, we are able to be outside whatever the great British weather throws at us!
The outdoor classroom is obviously a great space for children to develop their gross motor confidence, for example when climbing, whether that be on the climbing frame or on the tree. The bikes, trikes and scooters also give children the opportunity to explore balance and coordination skills and these are always popular.
Imaginations often run wild in our outdoor classroom, and using the woodland kitchen to make meals for others and using the crates and large construction materials to make spaceships for example, adds to the fun – and learning!
