If someone asked you ‘What is your main memory of playing with friends when you were younger?’ what do you think the majority of people would say?
…….. That’s right …….. Playing outside!!!
We all remember the feeling of freedom, learning how to assess the risks of climbing that tree or jumping off that wall, and learning through the world around us.
These memories are some of the most precious you can make as a child, and all you need is nature.
That’s why at Chapter One we’re so dedicated to the ethos of outdoor learning.
Our nursery, based in Farnley North Yorkshire, is a short drive from Otley, Leeds and Harrogate, yet far enough for us to benefit from all the elements of the countryside.
Surrounded by farm animals in the neighbouring fields, pheasants wander the grounds and there is masses of space outdoors for the children to play in their age-appropriate playgrounds (4 different areas). As well as the addition of our very special woodland area where we offer an outdoor nursery, Chapter One Treetops.
Chapter One Treetops outdoor nursery allows for learning through nature and gives children the opportunity to build fond memories and a warm and trusting connection to the earth.
You may have heard about outdoor learning and forest schooling before as the approach is not new as such. It was developed in Sweden in the 1950s and is becoming more popular in the UK in recent years.
The approach is used to develop children’s sense of independence, through ‘risky play’, which in turn impacts on their intellectual, cognitive, physical and emotional development. And all the while the children are enjoying themselves, enjoying nature and building memories. To get an idea of what the children get up to at Treetops, take a look at our ‘Typical Day at Treetops’ blog post, which takes you through a typical day with us. From building outdoor dens using real tools to toasting marshmallows on the campfire, all under the supervision of our qualified staff who understand how to cover all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, including mathematics and literacy.
You may think that outdoor learning sounds great for summer months but not for rainy miserable winter days, but as long as the children are kitted out with their Treetops all-weather kits, they enjoy it all year round.
Having said that we offer Treetops and our inside nursery on a split placement basis, meaning you can put your child into Treetops for 1 or 2 days a week (for example) and 1 or 2 days within our indoor nursery.
Our indoor areas are another massive asset to our nursery, and we are extremely proud of the 4 different large rooms, which meet the needs of the children within them. From the wet play areas to sensory rooms for babies, even on the dark miserable days, our children benefit from learning through play, inside and out.
To find out more or to book a visit, please call 01943 461161 or go to www.chapteronechildcare.com/england/farnley
