Outdoor Learning and Play: Why It Matters
The benefits of fresh air, movement, and nature-based activities – at nursery and at home
As the summer holidays approach, there’s no better time to celebrate the joy and importance of outdoor play. At Pendley Day Nursery, outdoor learning is a valued and integral part of our daily routine – and for good reason. The great outdoors offers children endless opportunities to explore, discover, move freely, and connect with the natural world in a way that supports their wellbeing and development.
The benefits of outdoor play for young children
Fresh air and freedom to move help children thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. Running, climbing, balancing, digging – all these activities support gross motor skills, coordination, and confidence. Being outside also encourages imaginative play and social interaction, whether it’s building dens with friends or pretending to be jungle explorers!
Time in nature is proven to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve focus – even for very young children. It gives them space to be curious, to problem-solve, and to engage their senses fully. Whether it’s spotting insects, feeling different textures, or noticing seasonal changes, nature offers a rich learning environment that sparks wonder.
Outdoor learning at Pendley Day Nursery
We’re proud to provide regular outdoor experiences in our secure garden space and beyond. From nature hunts and planting seeds to messy mud kitchen fun, our children enjoy a wide range of activities that connect them with their environment and help them build resilience, independence, and teamwork.
Even structured learning takes place outdoors – counting pebbles, storytelling under a tree, or mark-making with chalk are all part of our playful approach. We see every puddle, leaf pile, or fallen stick as a learning opportunity!
Supporting outdoor play at home this summer
With school holidays on the horizon, outdoor play doesn’t have to stop when nursery closes. Whether you have a garden, a park nearby, or can visit a local nature reserve, spending time outside together is a wonderful way to support your child’s development and make happy family memories.
You don’t need fancy equipment – a bucket for collecting leaves, a stick for drawing in the soil, or a walk where your child leads the way are all great starting points. Let children get messy, move their bodies, ask questions, and follow their curiosity. It’s good for them – and often good for us grown-ups too!
Let’s make the most of summer
Whatever the weather, there’s so much value in stepping outside. At Pendley Day Nursery, we’ll continue to embrace the benefits of outdoor play all year round – and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating it this summer at home too.
Talking of celebrations, we’ll be hosting our summer party on Friday 18 July from 2.30-4.30pm, where we’ll be displaying our upgraded outdoor equipment. If you’re a would-be parent and would like to view the facilities and speak to a member of our team, this would be the perfect opportunity. Our existing children moving up to primary school will be ‘graduating’ and we’ll have a children’s entertainer on-site too. If you would like to join us for the summer party, please drop us an email to info@pendleydaynursery.com.
For more advice and support, our team at Pendley Day Nursery is always here to help! Please call us on: 01442 967140 or drop us an email to: info@pendleydaynursery.com. You’ll also find us on Facebook.
