Outdoor Learning

 

 

 

At Seedlings we are very passionate about the outdoors and getting children outside and into nature. We run a full programme of outdoor learning including Forest School. We make the most of our large outdoor area within the setting and all the lovely opportunities our local area has to offer including the play park, Radford woods, Jennycliff and the local beaches to provide outdoor learning sessions five days a week throughout the year. Forest School is a specific approach to learning in the outdoors on a regular basis led by a qualified Forest School leader, where children get to experience activities such as bushcraft skills, basic tool use and having campfires, just to name a few!

Ellie K

Ellie K

Outdoor Learning Lead

EYE Level 2 Childcare Practitioner

As Outdoor Learning Lead, Ellie K coordinates and plans outdoor learning opportunities across the setting, taking into account the requirements of the EYFS and individual needs of our children.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning and Forest School

  • Outdoor play sessions promote social and communication skills and stimulates our imaginations
  • Children’s stress levels fall within minutes of being in green spaces
  • Children gain increased knowledge of the natural world, and how we care for our outdoor spaces including the plants and animals we find in them
  • Children who regularly learn, play, and enjoy the outdoor environment are observed to feel happier and more relaxed
  • Promotes movement, health and well-being, physical and emotional resilience and boosts confidence and self esteem
  • Increased gross and fine motor skills through a variety of activities.

All weather experiences

An integral part of Forest School and outdoor learning is that children experience the outdoors in all weathers. With the exception of very strong winds and thunderstorms, we endeavour to take the children outside when they take part in Forest School, even if it is for a shortened session. To help achieve this, we provide all children taking part in Forest school with waterproof clothing and wellies.

We ask that on sunny days, parents and carers provide sun cream and sun hats, and on colder days they provide warm clothes and extra layers.

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What Our Families are Saying

An absolutely fantastic preschool where they really do put the children first, they are always doing some creative activity whether that’s forest school, baking, learning a new language or creative tasks! All five of my boys have attended Seedlings and I would highly recommend this preschool for all budding adventurers!

The communication is excellent. They always make time to listen to any issues and more importantly they act on it if you have concerns about your child’s development. If you want your child to go to a preschool that not only cares for your child to a high standard but also moulds them for school so they get the best start possible, then choose Seedlings!

Seedlings is a fantastic place to see your children grow and learn. I love the fact that our children get to experience Forest School and can make use of the outdoor space when they want to.

My daughter loves Seedlings. From day one, everyone was very welcoming and she settled in quickly. Her speech developed rapidly, and now she’s a proper chatterbox! Seedlings have been brilliant at assisting with her toilet training too. I highly recommend it to everyone.