Outdoor Learning
At Mossley Hill Childcare our little learners have access to outdoor activities every day. We have an extensive garden that provides a unique learning environment which allows for a whole variety of activities that connect children with nature.
The outdoor classroom is like no other, allowing children the space and freedom to learn in their own way. We encourage children to take safe risks, try new things, get messy, ask questions and have a go!
Our dedicated Outdoor Learning Lead, Max, organises a programme of outdoor activities.
Children experience the outdoors in all weather conditions and observe and develop understanding of the different seasons. We also have Sefton Park on our doorstep, providing 200 acres of green space for us to explore.
Learning Through Adventure
While children attend Mossley Hill Childcare they will experience:
Garden Fun and Role Play
Our garden provides endless opportunities for imaginative play from captaining our pirate ship, to defending our castle. Children are encouraged to participate in role play games which is enhanced by sharing a wide range of stories to support vocabulary development.
Mud Kitchen & Messy Play
Our fantastic mud kitchens provide endless opportunities for imaginative play while supporting early mathematical language, physical development and creativity.
Construction
Our dedicated construction area is not only where children have fun, but they learn about safety. No entry without a hi-visibility jacket and hard hat!
Physical Development & Co-ordination
Outdoor physical activity is a vital area of learning focused on helping young children grow in strength, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness through whole-body movement in open-air environments.
Nature Explorers
Go on woodland adventures, discover leaves, trees, flowers and natural treasures, and talk about the world around us. Follow woodland trails and countryside paths while developing confidence, stamina and awareness of the world around us.
Minibeast Hunts
Max’s Bug Hotel is always busy! Children learn to identify and investigate the tiny creatures living all around us.
We explore habitats, discovering where different minibeasts live (under logs, in soil, on leaves).
We use magnifying glasses to look at physical features like legs, wings, and bodies.
We learn to treat small creatures and their environments with respect and gentleness.
We talk about lifecycles and how minibeasts grow and change, such as caterpillars turning into butterflies.
Den Building
Work together to build cosy dens using sticks, branches, leaves and other natural materials.
Children develop teamwork, problem-solving, communication and physical skills as they design and build.
Campfire Experiences
Children experience gathering around a campfire to listen to stories, sing songs and learn about fire safety.
Water Play
Water play encourages children to explore cause and effect while developing vocabulary and early scientific thinking.
Creativity with Natural Loose Parts
We use sticks, stones, pinecones, leaves and other natural materials to build, create art, sort and count. There are no instructions — just endless possibilities!
Animal & Wildlife Discovery
We look for tracks and spot wildlife and learn how we can care for animals and their habitats.
We have our own dedicated bird watching shelter where we have to be very quiet!
Nature Art
Turn the outdoors into a creative classroom.
Make pictures with leaves, create natural sculptures, paint with mud and explore colour, texture, shape and pattern.
Little Navigators
Follow simple trails, discover signs and symbols, find hidden objects and learn about direction through playful adventures.
Sensory Nature Experiences
Explore the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the natural world.
Feel tree bark, listen to birdsong, smell leaves and herbs, watch clouds and discover the wonderful sensory experiences that nature provides.
Twilight Adventures
Children experience the outdoors as the light changes through gentle twilight walks, stories and sensory activities.