In recent years there has been a cultural shift in our society that has reduced the access and use of outdoors for many young children.
A number of factors are blamed, including increased fear amongst adults in relation to children’s safety, anxieties about the threat of abduction, and technological advances leading to an overwhelming prominence of more sedentary indoor activities, such as television and computer games. However, the developmental needs of young children have remained constant and the outdoor environment continues to be essential to their health, development and well-being. Therefore, regular opportunities for sustained periods of play in a rich and stimulating outdoor environment offer a wide range of benefits to babies, toddlers and young children.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum, which covers children aged birth to the end of the Reception year, became statutory in September 2008 and places strong emphasis on the importance and value of daily outdoor experiences for children’s learning and development.
Learning outside the classroom supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement, and promoting a sense of well-being. It gives them contact with the natural world and offers them experiences that are unique to outdoors, such as direct contact with the weather and the seasons. Outdoor play also supports children’s problem-solving skills and nurtures their creativity, as well as providing rich opportunities for their developing imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness.
And, of course, the outdoor environment offers more space than indoors and therefore is particularly important to those children who learn best through active movement. For many children, playing outdoors at their early years setting may be the only opportunity they have to play safely and freely while they learn to assess risk and develop the skills to manage new situations.
While many of these experiences will take place on-site, outdoor learning may also take place within the local community, for example a walk to the bakery, or past the building site on the way to the park. These off-site ‘expeditions’ offer both children and adults a catalyst for play and conversations. Ultimately, play and learning that flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors make the most efficient use of resources and build on interests and enthusiasms. Forest Schools are growing in popularity across the UK and are increasingly offered as part of the early years curriculum in schools and settings.
Finally, parental involvement in children’s learning is particularly important in the early years as parents and carers are the child’s first educators. Early years settings, including children’s centres, are increasingly involving parents in developing and using their outdoor areas and in supporting other outdoor learning opportunities.
A series of striking and individual mosaics to act as way-markers on a pleasant 2 mile trail. Keeps kids running about between looking for the next one and giving that pleasure of discovery.
We have used exclusively recycled materials, many of them donated by local people, and hope that the creation of these way-markers will inspire visitors.
With heathlands, woodlands and ponds, Yateley Common offers a variety of experiences to visitors. You can walk, cycle and horse ride through 193 hectares of varied and wildlife rich surroundings. The Common also offers visitors the opportunity to fish, bird watch, and get involved in practical conservation through volunteering.
For a fun-filled day out for all the family, or simply to enjoy the peace and quiet of acres of natural surroundings, take a fascinating journey of discovery through the living world of Plantasia & Mazeworld.
Adventure playground, nature trails, accessible paths, sculpture trail and nature viewing platform. Plus excellent Discovery Packs for hire from the friendly visitor centre including a pond dipping kit and binoculars!
Forbury Gardens is a delightful Victorian town garden, created at the height of the urban parks movement. The gardens have recently undergone major restoration. They are located between the town centre and the ruins of the 11th century abbey, not far from Reading Station. The ornamental gardens have a wall around which provides a peaceful and tranquil retreat.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful lake in Wales, Lake Vyrnwy is tucked away in a landscape of rolling meadows, towering crags, rushing waterfalls, mysterious forest and moorland.
Largest castle in Wales, well preserved & interpreted, exhibitions, film show, interactive table. We also provide Medieaval Treasure Chest handling and self-led activity packs on Castles, English and Science, Technology and Mathematics.
Travel with smoke and steam in splendid Wales.
The line runs from Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil. Travel in one of our all-weather Observation Carriages, behind a vintage steam locomotive, into the Brecon Beacons National Park to see stunning views of the peaks of the Beacons across the Taf Fechan reservoir.
The swimming pool at Edgewood Leisure Centre offers a range of wet activities that include our award winning swim school for both adults and children.
Swim 4 Everyone sessions, under 3’s fun swim sessions and women only sessions.
Set in over 500 acres of historic deer park, Wollaton Hall is a spectacular Tudor building home to the city's Natural History Museum.
Also see the Industrial Museum, Steam Engine House, Wollaton Visitor Centre and the Yard Gallery, plus exhibitions exploring art and the environment.
A fun family venue where you and your family can come and discover your creative side. We have a spacious studio downstairs where whilst painting your pottery you can relax and have delicious cake and coffee.
A museum at Wollaton Hall covering the industrial history of Nottingham from lacemaking to motorcycle manufacture. Steam day on the last Sunday of every month, plus a calendar of changing events during the year.
The Natural World Centre is a state of the art sustainably designed visitor centre within the beautiful 375 acre Whisby Nature Park, just to the south of Lincoln.
The tour of Stamford Bridge is not to be missed. Home of the incredible Chelsea Football Club, it’s a fun, informative and unforgettable experience enjoyed by sports fans of all ages from all over the world.
HMS Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria's fleet. Powered by steam and sail, she was Britain's first iron-hulled, armoured warship and the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day. Warrior was, in her time, the ultimate deterrent, yet within a few years became obsolete.
The London Film Museum is now the venue for the Bond in Motion Collection, including the famous Lotus Esprit (as a submarine!). This is a chance for movie (and car) fans young and old to see some of the most iconic film vehicles of all time.
We deliver tailor-made programmes to Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2 in our pond, meadow and woodland habitats. The Haven Plotland Museum provides pupils with a unique insight into home life in the past and during World War 2.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Key Stage 1:
Explore London's connections with the rest of the world through an epic 2,000-year story of trade, expansion and immigration.
Choose from our wide range of plain bisque shapes to paint and create your own pottery masterpiece to be treasured.
White Castle is the best preserved of the Three Castles, namely, White, Skenfrith and Grosmont. The heart of this castle is surrounded by powerful round towers.
The Three Castles are usually grouped together because for a large part of their history they were part of a block of territory under the control of a single lord, Hubert de Burgh.
Set in the town of Selston, Nottinghamshire, Selston Leisure Centre provides its local community with an invaluable opportunity to get active.
The leisure centre is home to a gym, group exercise studio, sports hall, outdoor astro turf pitch and range of children’s activities.
The spectacular 25 metres by 25 metres swimming pool has a moveable floor to adjust the water level so various activities can take place at any one time. There's a tiered spectators seating area with 250 seats providing excellent viewing of the entire pool area. There’s also a 13 metres by 7 metres teaching pool for swimming lessons plus parent and baby sessions.
he Nelson Monument was built in memory of Admiral Lord Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Weather permitting, the Trafalgar flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty' is still flown on Trafalgar Day (21 October).
Step back in time in and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago. Discover cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum chatting to costumed visitor guides demonstrating traditional crafts.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.