Cultivating a lasting bond with the natural world at Play and Learn Preschool

Play and Learn Nursery in Birmingham Embraces Outdoor Learning with Nature Park

Play and Learn, a nursery in Birmingham with 60 pupils, is excited to announce the development of a Nature Park within their premises. The Nature Park is expected to provide a safe and engaging outdoor space where children can connect with nature, explore actively, and learn through play, fostering social skills and environmental awareness.

Claire Hodgetts, the Nursery Manager, expresses her enthusiasm about the Nature Park project. She views it as a first step in creating a positive impact on both children and nature throughout their lives. Claire anticipates that the Nature Park will have a significant impact on children's confidence and learning, providing them with first-hand experiences of real nature.

The Nature Park programme has been instrumental in developing the nursery's outdoor learning practices. Initially, the staff struggled with developing their outdoor learning vision. However, with the help of Paul, a staff member with Forest School training, they were able to think about using their space for more outdoor learning.

One key development for the outdoor space is the creation of a pond area. This will not only serve as a learning opportunity but also contribute to flood control. Claire Hodgetts emphasizes the importance of teaching children about the growth of real flowers and grass, which will be encouraged in the pond area.

The staff at Play and Learn are all enthusiastic about the Nature Park project. They believe that educating children about nature will lead to more nature in the future. Claire Hodgetts sees the Nature Park as a means to instill a sense of pride and joy in children about nature.

Moreover, Claire expects the Nature Park to have an environmental impact on the local area. She believes that the Nature Park will provide children with opportunities to interact with nature, learn to coexist with it, and understand that it's okay to make mistakes.

The nursery aims to provide these first-hand experiences of nature to their pupils and promote nature care. They hope that the Nature Park will inspire caregivers to take their children outside and experience nature at home. The Nature Park programme resources have provided ample opportunities for this to happen.

In conclusion, the Nature Park at Play and Learn Nursery is set to revolutionize outdoor learning, fostering a love for nature and promoting environmental awareness among children.