Set in a rural location, we have a well resourced building and large outdoor area. The children have supervised access to the outdoors all year round and in all weathers. It is advised that children always bring a waterproof coat and Wellington boots or sunhat as appropriate. We have a large amount of waterproof trousers for pre-school children.

Children are encouraged to explore and investigate their outdoor environment. They are allowed to climb, dig, run, roll and crawl. The outdoor classroom should be used just like the indoor one and used as an extension of the learning environment, not a separate one.

We are also a registered Eco-Setting and achieved our Bronze Award in November 2007. The children learn how to recycle, be energy efficient and care for their environment.

Cross Curricular Activities Outside include...

	Co-operative games, parachute games, wheeled toy games, circle games.
	Quiet seating area for conversational skills, listening to stories, drawing, watching and puppets
	Respect for living things and the environment
	Gaining independence, taking risks and awareness of safety
	Use of clipboards in making representational drawings and maps.
	Literacy through signs and symbols, writing lists and notes in role play and playground chalking
	Investigation through their environment eg. Hunting for minibeasts (insects) and weather
	Counting, sequencing and sorting games (early maths skills)
	Planting flowers and vegetables including conditions needed for growth, hygiene and safety
	Large scale construction
	Physical development of gross motor and fine motor skills  through the use of paint brushes, swings, ropes, obstacle courses, and tunnels etc
	Sensory walks
	Explore art using a variety of resources
	Musical instruments, dance and drama
	Balance and coordination, cooperation, learning to share, teamwork,  using bikes, footballs and hoops etc