Embracing the Great Outdoors: The Vital Role of Outdoor Play

Written By Delilah Davies

The WRAP Nursery opened its doors in July 2021 and, as an inner-city nursery we originally did not have outside space. “Our nursery has a fantastic connection to our community and our children have always taken daily trips into Brighton…and beyond!”, says owner Sarah, “however we were keen to find a space we could make our own, that would become familiar to our children and that we could nurture and cherish”. 

In 2023 we were extremely grateful to the team at BrightHelm who offered to rent us their Early Years Garden, within their wider grounds. “There was lots of work to do!” reminisces Sarah, “but over the following couple of months we cleared rubbish, spikey bushes and weeds and started to make a space we are incredibly proud of.”

At our nursery we know it is crucial to integrate outdoor play into our daily routine. Our garden features:

  • Timber planters for Gardening Projects: Our children are currently growing a variety of fruit and vegetables. They learn about plant life cycles and the importance of caring for living things – and we are looking forward to cooking and eating some of our produce back in our setting later in the year!

  • Wooded area: Our little forest has bark and tree stumps – perfect for finding minibeasts

  • Timber outdoor classroom: meaning we can continue our learning no matter what the weather!

  • Large area of fluffy astroturf: perfect for ball games and when our babies visit the garden – for our non walkers.

Why is outdoor play so important?

Physical Play: Outdoor play naturally encourages children to move, jump, run and explore, promoting physical health and development. Activities like climbing on our rope ladder, balancing on our tree stump logs and playing ball games enhance motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness. Engaging in regular physical activity helps children develop muscle strength, agility and a love for movement that will lead to lifelong healthy habits.

The natural world is a vast, open-ended classroom. When children interact with their environment, they engage in problem-solving, critical thinking and observational learning. These experiences stimulate curiosity and encourage children to ask questions and experiment as they discover the amazing natural world around them.

Social Skills

Outdoor play often involves group activities where children learn to work together, share resources and negotiate roles. Whether it's organising a game, building a sandcastle, or embarking on a make-believe adventure, these interactions are crucial for developing communication skills, empathy and the ability to collaborate with others.

Emotional Well-being: Freedom and Resilience

The open space of the outdoors provides our children with a sense of freedom and autonomy. They can express themselves more openly, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem. Moreover, facing challenges such as setting up an obstacle course or trying a new activity helps build resilience and the ability to cope with challenges.

Connection with Nature: Fostering Environmental Stewardship

Regular interaction with the natural world helps children develop a deep appreciation for the environment. This connection is vital in nurturing future generations who are conscious of and committed to protecting our planet.

Overcoming Challenges: Weather and Safety

We understand that outdoor play comes with its set of challenges, such as inclement weather and safety concerns. At The WRAP Nursery, we address these by:

  • Weather-Appropriate Gear: Ensuring children have access to suitable clothing and footwear allows them to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably in various weather conditions.

  • Safety Measures: Our outdoor areas are designed with children's safety in mind, featuring age-appropriate equipment and regular maintenance checks.

  • Flexible Scheduling: We adapt our outdoor activities to align with weather conditions, ensuring that children have ample opportunity for outdoor play throughout the year.

At The WRAP Nursery, our commitment to outdoor play is rooted in a deep understanding of its immense value in early childhood development. From sparking curiosity and nurturing a love for nature, to building physical strength and emotional resilience, our garden has become so much more than just an outdoor space, it’s a vital extension of our learning environment. We are proud to provide our children with a safe, inspiring and ever-evolving natural space where they can grow, explore, and thrive. As we continue to care for our garden, we’re also cultivating confident, curious, and connected little learners, ready to take on the world, one outdoor adventure at a time.

References

Delilah Davies
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