Playing outdoors provides the opportunity to observe, explore and become fascinated by the outside world.
At La Petite Academy, we have various outdoor areas around the nursery where children can play and access the fresh air, even when it is raining, due to our large canopy’s which extends out. Children bring in wellies and waterproof clothing so that they can dig and explore in our sensory garden; we have safety surfacing which includes a road layout with parking bays and roundabout where we can talk about road safety. The children have access to sand and water play and outdoor resources which support their freedom of choice. All groups go out on walks off the premises to the local parks.
In our sensory garden we grow bedding plants, vegetables and herbs from Spring to Autumn. The children enjoy going to the garden centre in the nursery car, choosing plants to grow and ensuring that they are looked after through watering etc. during the summer months. This area also contains sensory equipment and a lovely outdoor story corner with tree stumps as seats for small groups to have an outdoor story.