We like to consider ourselves a Nature School here at Orchard. Not quite a Forest School (as we’re not allowed to make fires in our lovely community orchard) but as close as you can get to one in our lovely surroundings.
We spend as much time outside in our dedicated Nature Garden and wider community orchard, encouraging the children to play, explore and learn through their experiences with the natural environment.
We are very lucky to have amazing indoor play spaces that we can use in poor weather but we always try to bring the outdoors in, by teaching our curriculum with natural resources and references wherever possible.
Benefits of outdoor learning…
Being outside allows children to express themselves freely and unlike an indoor classroom, there aren’t any space constraints meaning children can jump, shout and explore to their hearts content. The sense of freedom playing outdoors brings is fantastic for a child’s development, both physically and mentally. Here are just some of the many benefits outdoor learning offers to children.
Encourages an Active Lifestyle
Children who learn to play outdoors are much more likely to continue to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, running and cycling as they get older. Given the number of gadgets and new technology available to us all, outdoor play is an extremely important factor in combatting an increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
Appreciation of Nature and the Environment
Learning in an outdoor environment allows children to interact with the elements around us and helps them to gain an understanding of the world we live in. They can experience animals in their own surroundings and learn about their habitats and lifecycles.
Develops Social Skills
Indoor spaces can often feel overcrowded to children and naturally, they may feel intimated in this type of environment. More space outdoors can help children to join in and ‘come out of their shells’. Giving children outdoor learning experiences offers them a chance to talk about what they have done with their friends, teachers and parents.
Encourages Independence
The extra space offered by being outdoors will give children the sense of freedom to make discoveries by themselves. They can develop their own ideas or create games and activities to take part in with their friends without feeling like they’re being directly supervised. They’ll begin to understand what they can do by themselves and develop a ‘can do‘ attitude, which will act as a solid foundation for future learning.
Understanding Risk
Being outdoors provides children with more opportunities to experience risk-taking. They have the chance to take part in tasks on a much bigger scale and complete them in ways they might not when they’re indoors. They can learn to make calculated decisions such as ‘should I jump off this log?’ or ‘can I climb this tree?’
About
Orchard Preschool offers nature based early years care and education for children aged one until they are ready to go to school.
Get in Touch
Get in touch to discuss your needs or book a visit:
e: orchardpreschool@gmail.com
t: 01647 277546
Lustleigh Village Hall, Lustleigh, Newton Abbot, TQ13 9TA
Opening Hours
- Mon
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Tue
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Wed
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Thu
- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Fri
- Closed
- Sat
- Closed
- Sun
- Closed
Orchard Preschool and Playgroup 