Outdoor Learning and Forest School

We believe that some of the best learning happens outdoors. At Beecroft Nursery School, outdoor learning is an important part of our curriculum. Our recently developed outdoor area provides an exciting and stimulating environment where children can explore, investigate, use their imagination and develop a love of learning.

Learning Through Outdoor Play

Our outdoor environment is carefully planned to provide children with a wide range of exciting, hands-on learning experiences. Whether they are becoming construction workers in our role-play area, building dens, exploring sand and water or working together to solve problems, children are constantly developing new skills.

Mathematics is an important part of our outdoor learning. Children develop their understanding of numbers, shapes, patterns and measures through practical, meaningful experiences. From counting building blocks and comparing the heights of towers to measuring water and solving everyday problems, children learn to use their mathematical skills in real-life situations.

Our outdoor area also provides wonderful opportunities to develop children's understanding of geography, science and the natural world. Children enjoy planting seeds, growing flowers and vegetables, observing how plants change over time and investigating the world around them. These first-hand experiences encourage curiosity, questioning and a deeper understanding of how things work.

Developing language is at the heart of everything we do. Our skilled adults play alongside children, modelling new vocabulary, asking thoughtful questions and encouraging children to explain their ideas, describe their discoveries and talk about what they are learning.

Physical Development and Adventure

Children also enjoy opportunities to climb, balance and challenge themselves physically. These experiences help develop strength, coordination, confidence and an awareness of how to keep themselves safe while taking on new challenges.

We encourage children to be adventurous, try new things and develop the independence and resilience they need to become confident learners.

Forest School

Forest School is a special part of our curriculum, offering children exciting opportunities to explore and learn in our wooded area.

Children enjoy building dens, searching for minibeasts, birdwatching and discovering the changing natural world around them. Through these experiences, they develop curiosity, imagination, teamwork and problem-solving skills, while learning to appreciate and care for the environment.

Forest School learning also provides valuable opportunities for children to develop confidence, independence and resilience. We encourage children to embrace new challenges, persevere when things are difficult and enjoy exploring outdoors in all seasons and weathers.

Learning in All Seasons

We believe that every season brings exciting opportunities for learning. Whether children are jumping in puddles, exploring autumn leaves, watching plants grow in spring or discovering wildlife in summer, our outdoor environment is a place of learning and discovery throughout the year.

Our aim is for every child to develop a love of the outdoors, a sense of adventure and the confidence to explore, question and discover the world around them.