Outdoor learning
Outdoor learning has been successfully running since 2012 with the juniors. We introduced our toddlers and under twos’ in 2018.
Our outdoor adventures change each block as we want to make sure every child gets the opportunity to experience the outdoor adventures. We listen to the children during these adventures and respond to the children’s interests as and when the situation or opportunity arises. This may mean we change to go somewhere else for the next session though we will communicate this with you.
Emma Orphant is our appointed outdoor officer and will be concentrating on our outdoor learning provision at seahorse. We feel spending quality time outdoors and in particular in natural environments is so important for the all-round development of all the children here at seahorse.
There are considerable benefits from outdoor learning. The risks need to be effectively managed by our staff and children are supervised appropriately. This is active learning, or learning in a different learning environment
The world is not a perfect place and children will meet many obstacles and dangers. We need to allow children to learn how to deal with obstacles and dangers in life.
Health/safety rules
- A risk assessment has been done for this experience.
- Children are reminded about the following points:
- Know that STOP means STOP.
- Know that seeing cans, glass or anything strange must be reported to an adult.
- Know that they must have an adult in view at all times.
- Know that we do not go past the warning tape that has been put up.
- Know that we look at animals, birds, fungi, nettles, berries etc. but do not touch them. We will learn how to deal with them.
Experiences to be gained
- Awareness of the environment and local area.
- Active learning, engaging and motivating.
- Learning about the world and life beyond nursery.
- Learning beyond the Seahorse setting.
- Equipping children to meet challenges by re-engaging them with their world through learning outdoors.
- More physical activity leading to a good sense of health and well-being.
- Evidence has proved that the natural environment has links to good mental health, protecting us from stress.
“I am happy because I get to climb the big trees “
Child quote (2018)
“Really impressed with the trips to the woods.”
Parents quote (2016)
