Outdoor Learning Sessions

At Eden Early Years, our pre-schoolers and toddlers have been enjoying outdoor learning sessions twice a week, led by our fantastic Outdoor Lead, Emma. These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for the children to connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and develop important life skills. Emma has been brilliant at teaching the children about different plants, insects, and how to stay safe while exploring the natural environment. She’s also been collaborating with our Chef to plan which vegetables to grow in our allotment and greenhouse - a lovely way to link outdoor learning with healthy eating.

Outdoor learning sessions are incredibly beneficial for young children. It helps build confidence, encourages curiosity, and supports their physical and emotional development by offering hands-on experiences in the natural world. We’re so proud of the enthusiasm and independence the children are showing each week!

Planting our bluebells has been a great opportunity to talk about the importance of looking after nature and being patient as we wait for the flowers to bloom. Activities like this help the children build a deeper connection with the environment while also developing their fine motor skills, understanding of growth, and sense of responsibility. We can’t wait to see our bluebell patch come to life, and neither can the children!

At the allotment, we love following the changing seasons. In spring, we planted bluebells and strawberries, and in winter the children helped Emma plant daffodils, garlic and heathers. It’s a wonderful way for them to learn about growth, nature and caring for the environment.

Each visit offers a range of exciting activities. The children enjoy using the balance beams, digging in the soil, rolling tyres and, more recently, making bird feeders. They carefully spread almond butter onto pine cones to create a sticky surface, then dipped them into bird seed. Every child had the opportunity to hang their bird feeder on a tree, proudly contributing to supporting local wildlife.

When exploring the pond, we often spot frog spawn, which sparks conversations about life cycles and how tadpoles grow into frogs. The children also love discovering the different plants around the allotment, especially the vibrant blue, red and green varieties.

Our toddlers and preschoolers have also been enjoying cosy hot chocolates made with our kettle and taking turns riding in the wheelbarrow — making special memories while embracing the outdoors.

Our preschoolers enjoy weekly art lessons with our art teacher, Steve, every Wednesday. Recently, they have been taking their creativity outdoors, heading down to the allotment with paints and canvases — as well as reusable paper — to capture their surroundings through art.

The children choose different elements of the allotment to focus on, from colourful flowers and tall trees to the pond and seasonal vegetables. These sessions encourage them to observe closely, notice details, and express their ideas in their own unique way. Painting outdoors not only nurtures their creativity, but also strengthens their connection to nature and builds their confidence as young artists.