Outdoor Learning and Muddy Mondays/Welly Wednesdays
Outdoor Learning
In the EYFS, we ensure that our outdoor area is an important extension of our classrooms. We access our outdoor provision every day and we provide a range of stimulating activities and resources as part of our EYFS curriculum.
We believe the outdoor area provides our children with one of the best possible environments in which to learn. It is our aim that our children experience joy and excitement as they learn new skills and make fresh discoveries.
Some of the highlights of our outdoor provision include:
- A mud kitchen, with various pots, pans and utensils for using natural materials creatively
- A purpose-built wooden climbing frame to help develop gross motor skills
- Sand and water play
- A ‘road’ with ample bikes, scooters and trikes to enjoy
- Large construction kits
- A nature area, for being curious and investigations
- A writing shed and outdoor book area
- A range of large loose parts, such as tyres and planks for building
- An area to enjoy making music outside
- A maths area for problem solving
During your child’s time in Ivy Chimneys, we will utilise our local forest area, Bell Common, to enhance and further our outdoor provision. In EYFS, your child will regularly have opportunities for forest learning during Muddy Monday or Welly Wednesday sessions throughout the year. These sessions provide a unique way of building confidence and self-esteem, learning new life skills, providing problem solving opportunities and promoting independence and team work.
Our forest sessions take place in all weathers (unless the weather is extreme, such as high winds and storms). We provide the children with outdoor overalls for forest sessions and for use in our mud kitchen and only request wellies from home, which stay at school for your child’s reception year.