Outdoor Adventures

What is ‘Outdoor Adventures’?
‘Outdoor Adventures’ is a holistic way of learning outdoors- it focuses on the whole child's needs rather than their ability, which makes it accessible to any child, no matter their educational ability. The beauty of nature is that it is a universal language and children will each access it in their own way.
‘Outdoor Adventures’ provides access to the outdoors, giving the opportunity to explore risks, challenge emotions and push personal boundaries. It does this by providing unique experiences that children may not usually have access to, such as learning to manage risks and appreciating the natural world.
Using the ‘Outdoor Adventures’ approach, we aim to provide a high-quality learning experience, using the natural environment and the world around us to guide and spark learning.

What are the benefits?
- Being immersed in nature throughout the session, gaining understanding of life cycles, habitats, species of animals, plants and trees.
- Observing wildlife, mini beasts and living creatures in their natural habitat.
- Observing changes and cycles in nature, for example seasons, weather and sounds.
- Enhancing physical ability through challenging surroundings, for example climbing over obstructions, uneven terrain, tree climbing etc.
- Being exposed to natural elements, promoting resilience and managing risks.
- Providing space to explore and encourage imaginative play, enhancing language and social skills (use of the mud kitchen, mud pit, climbing frame, swing, treehouse and hobbit house).
- Developing a community of respect, for the environment, the world and each other.
- Providing opportunities to practice new skills, such as manipulating natural materials, and developing ‘life skills’ that they continue to grow and enhance throughout childhood.

What will children need to wear?
We will be outdoors, come rain, snow, or shine. Although, we will build shelters and keep children moving lots where necessary!
To ensure our children are comfortable and prepared, please bring the items listed below to nursery every day, labelled with your child's name. Please note: on days when there is rain forecast, please drop the children off dressed in their waterproofs.
• Warm weather: jogging bottoms/ leggings (not shorts, due to nettles/ brambles etc.), t-shirt (ideally long-sleeved), sunhat, full change of clothes/footwear in backpack.
• Mild weather: jogging bottoms/ leggings, t-shirt, jumper, coat, full change of clothes/footwear in backpack.
• Cold weather: jogging bottoms/ leggings, 2 t-shirts, thick jumper, coat, woolly hat, gloves, full change of clothes/footwear in backpack.
• Wet weather: ideally, children will wear a waterproof all-in-one or waterproof trousers and coats, with several layers of clothing underneath.
• On feet: wellies/ walking boots are best (with spare socks for colder weather), footwear to change into after.
We do have spare waterproof layers in nursery as well as spare wellies which children are welcome to wear if needed.