Our Nursery is based in Limehouse where outdoor space can be limited. Many of us live in apartment blocks hence a key part of our ethos is to ensure that children are able to get outside and explore the natural world daily. We are lucky enough to have a small garden that children can access freely throughout the day and is packed with opportunities for exploration including a Mud Kitchen area where children can squish, mash and mix their way through natural ingredients, a magnificent water wall and even a bug hotel.
Ropemakers Park is across the road which we visit daily to not only promote freedom for the children to run and climb but also conduct our Forest School sessions. We take every opportunity to explore the change in seasons and use these discussions as a learning opportunity for the children to develop an awareness of their world around them. The children enjoy finding natural treasures that we take back to Nursery and use within their everyday play, for example interesting plants are used to create drawings and leaves are used for printing or enhancing the small world set ups. Our Baby Room don’t miss out on getting out as they regularly go for lovely walks along the riverside in our 6 seater pram allowing them to enjoy an exciting sensory experience.
Research has shown the benefits of children playing outside in all weathers as well as providing the opportunity to learn through risk and challenge. Children will only push their skills as far as they feel comfortable and with supportive staff close by to support them they develop great curiosity about the natural world and enhance their physical ability.
