Provision that inspires children’s curiosity and skills through learning experiences in the wooded area

Plas Gogerddan Nursery, is located in a picturesque rural setting on the outskirts of Aberystwyth. The nursery is surrounded by rural life with wonderful outdoor areas to explore, including a developed woodland space where the approach to outdoor learning fosters children’s curiosity and skill development in a natural environment. Its philosophy emphasises the importance of nature in children’s development, encouraging exploration and discovery through hands-on experiences.

The setting secured a grant for a shadow and exchange experience in Finland where practitioners observed first-hand the positive impact that outdoor learning in all weathers could have on children. Following this inspirational visit to Finland, they were determined to make full use of the natural environment right on their doorstep. The setting employed a Forest School Level 3 Leader who supported in moving things further forward. Initially, practitioners started exploring their own natural environment, observing and monitoring the positive impact the outdoors had on small groups of children.

The next step was to establish a site near to the setting that could be developed to use with the children. The setting worked closely with Natural Resources Wales, who own the woodland space around the nursery, to find a suitable area. Practitioners continue to work closely with NRW where the setting applies for and gains permission to use their woodland space annually.

To develop the space further, making it accessible and safe, practitioners applied for grant funding and developed a community-based project where they worked closely with local forestry groups, MIND group and local contractors. From the outset the children were actively involved in the development of the woodland area. Practitioners observed closely how they used the natural space, which in turn, supported the setting in developing the site. They continue to be involved as practitioners enhance and develop the area. This hands-on participation not only empowers the children but also instils a sense of ownership and responsibility. By contributing to the creation and maintenance of the natural space, children learn valuable physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills and develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the environment.

The children play a crucial role in establishing the rules. They engage in discussions to create guidelines and remind each other to adhere to these rules, which as a result fosters a community of mutual respect.

At Plas Gogerddan, practitioners ensure that the children’s skills and curiosity are inspired by creating simulating environments that are used in all weather and for extended periods of time. The children set off for the woodland site in the morning and stay there for extended sessions in most weathers, except when it’s stormy or windy for safety reasons. During the warmer months, the children spend up to full days at the site, having snacks, lunch and nap time in the woods. This consistent exposure allows children to become comfortable and familiar with the natural environment and adapt and appreciate nature regardless of the weather.

As the children become developmentally ready, practitioners encourage them to help prepare for the woods by getting themselves ready and changing into appropriate clothing. Practitioners use a sequencing board to support them in understanding what clothing is required based on the weather and which items they need to put on first. They also help the staff in packing the trolley with any items needed for the session including water for handwashing. This helps the children foster a sense of responsibility and independence. 

When in the woodland, the children are given the freedom to fully explore the area at their own pace. Practitioners have enhanced and adapted the natural environment by providing more challenging opportunities to roll, balance, swing, climb trees, negotiate uneven surfaces, dig, push and hang, through adding slacklines, rope bridges, a variety of different swings set at different heights and scramble nets, long handled spades and wheelbarrows. These activities help the children learn to control their bodies, assess and manage their own risks, make decisions and develop a strong core. The children often enjoy making a den where they like to relax with blankets, cushions and sleeping bags. At the woodland site they have access to hammocks and dens and quiet spaces to just ‘be’.

During our woodland sessions, practitioners particularly focus on developing positive behaviour by introducing activities that require sharing, negotiation and co-operation. They actively encourage children to take responsibility in caring for others as well as the natural environment, which includes respect for plants and animals. The children engage in activities such as bug hunts, treasure hunts, creative sessions, large scale digging, cooking on the fire and using a variety of tools. These activities spark their curiosity and encourage them to ask questions and seek answers. Stories often come alive as the children excitedly re-enact and re-tell stories using their imagination. The children naturally work together to actively solve problems such as when a child tripped over a small stump in the woodland, they wondered what they could do to stop this happening again. They shared ideas and worked together to dig out the stump. They were deeply engaged in this task for a long period of time, and the sense of accomplishment and achievement when the stump finally came out was incredible to see.

There are countless benefits to the use of the woodland and outdoor natural environment. For example, during long sessions of uninterrupted play the children will persevere at tasks, even when things get quite challenging. Practitioners have learnt that giving the children the time they need to complete tasks is vital.

Over time, practitioners have observed first-hand the positive impact that the woodland sessions have had in fostering and building the children’s resilience. For example, through managing their physical skills in a challenging environment the children often trip or fall as they are heading to a destination. They suddenly jump up, brush themselves down and continue on their journey, with not a tear in sight.

Practitioners have also observed how the children no longer notice the weather, standing at the front door, dressed in full waterproofs, in the pouring rain, ready to set off for the woods.

Over the years, the setting has applied for further grants to ensure that its approach to outdoor learning continues to develop and grow into the future. The staff team’s confidence and engagement with leading sessions in the outdoors has grown as they have observed so many benefits for the children.

The setting shares its practice regularly with families, the local community, students, settings, teachers and other professionals. It holds an annual nursery fete where all families and the wider community are invited to the setting for a fun filled day. As part of the fete, practitioners include a woodland trail where the families get to explore the space with their children, finding all the woodland animals along the way.

The setting leads sharing sessions for groups of PGCE students and tutors from Aberystwyth University, groups of teachers and leaders from other settings from within the county, students from other countries and other professionals.

Practitioners have received wonderful feedback from these sessions, which have provided inspiration to others and motivated them to take learning outdoors which in turn will have a positive impact on so many more children in the future.