Outdoor Learning & Other activities

Adding variety to the daily routine are a number of extra activities which allow further developmental opportunities for the children. Some examples of these include:

Outdoor Learning

All babies and young children attending this nursery are given as many different learning experiences as possible. Having a variety of learning experiences and environments is crucial for early brain development. These early experiences build the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional skills, influencing future learning and success in school and life.

Outdoor learning benefits early years children through enhanced physical development, improved cognitive abilities like problem-solving, greater social and emotional growth, and a stronger connection to nature and the environment. It promotes an active lifestyle, boosts creativity, builds confidence and independence, and reduces stress, leading to a well-rounded foundation for lifelong learning.

Every room has access to a nursery garden, every morning and afternoon. Outdoor toys and resources promoting physical development are available as well as plants such as herds and vegetables and a mud or sand kitchen. To extend children’s learning, it is our aim to take every child once a week ‘over the fence’ to play in the wooded areas of campus, follow the sculpture trails or use the university’s large open spaces. This gives each child the opportunity to learn in a different environment and experience activities that cannot be offered in the nursery gardens. For example, climbing trees, studying wildlife and going on muddy walks. In term time, we have Warwick Volunteers help out to support staff when venturing out on campus.

Nature walks

The campus contains several large 'green' areas, rich in animal and plant-life. Nature walks allow the children to gain fresh air and exercise as well as learning more about the natural world.

Warwick Arts Centre

Warwick Arts Centre is one of the largest performing arts venues outside of London and is based on the University campus. The Arts Centre have an excellent programme of contemporary children's theatre, and twice a year we run trips to see recommended shows, including the annual Christmas play. The shows we visit are specifically designed for children of nursery age.

Visiting groups

From time to time we are visited by groups who offer various activities and learning opportunities for the children, such as Zoo Lab who bring in small animals for the children to learn about.