Let’s play outside! Outdoor experiences play a significant role in Early Years development, helping children to explore and discover the world around them, whilst developing a love for being outside.
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic early years educators are crucial to unlocking the potential of outdoors.
Understanding and valuing the importance of outdoor play in early years development is crucial when we consider how our outdoor provision is developed and accessed.
Our staff teams are the key to unlocking the potential of what the outdoor provision has to offer; creating environments that are inviting, inspiring, and engaging empowers children to explore, discover and develop a love of learning outdoors.
At Monkey Puzzle we ensure that just as much care and attention is taken when planning activities, experiences, and opportunities for children to learn and develop in the outside provision as we do when planning for our inside environments. Outdoor activities are planned daily, and children have the opportunity to access the outside space as part of their daily routine.
All of our nursery settings have access to an outside area that has been specially designed to complement the inside provision; allowing children to connect with nature, to explore the natural environment and the world around them. Our nurseries also make great use of local community spaces; we value our local communities and the opportunities these experiences give for children to explore familiar or new spaces in their local area.
The outdoor provision offers unique experiences; how?
- Introducing a range of new learning opportunities; exploring nature first hand
- Exposure to fresh air and natural light
- Opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills; building on core strength
- Opportunities for children to take risks, problem solve and think for themselves
- Developing appreciation and a love of nature and the natural world
Spending time outside can have a positive impact on children’s physical health, as well as their mental health & wellbeing.
Jordan McCormick
Early Years Quality Manager – Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries
My name is Jordan, and I am an Early Years specialist with over 15 years’ experience in the Early Years sector. I have had wonderful opportunities to grow and develop within my career, and to share the knowledge and experiences I have gained with others. I have a passion for continuous professional development and a commitment to providing high quality care and education to ensure the best possible outcomes for children where they can reach their full potential. I am a strong advocate for, and truly believe in the benefits of nature-based learning, and how natural and authentic resources can be used as a tool to support children to become inquisitive, explorative and creative learners.
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