At Lumley Infant and Nursery School we see the outdoors as a living, breathing classroom!
We are lucky to have an onsite Forest School area and each year group has access to their own outdoor space attached to their classroom. Outdoor learning creates opportunities for our children to link their classroom learning with the natural environment around them; acquiring those skills and experiences that the classroom can’t teach alone. Outdoor learning is challenging, fun, healthy and integral to our ethos.
We believe that every child should experience the outdoors as part of their education, well-being and personal development and that’s why our timetable has regularly planned, practical-based outdoor activities, educational visits and local community walks. In our school, there is a clear progression of cross-curricular learning from Nursery, building up to Year Two where children develop their understanding of Forest School Knowledge and Key Skills. Through outdoor learning, children will develop their geographical skills and navigation, scientific knowledge and skills, physical play and development (gross and fine motor), design and technology, fire safety and building dens and shelters.
Each year group has time to develop their skills and knowledge through practical exploration. Staff are there to support the children to develop a positive and inquisitive attitude towards the natural environment and the world around them. Outdoor learning provides our children with one of the most memorable and worthwhile learning experiences, while at the same time developing self-assurance, team work, leadership skills, risk taking, problem solving and investigative skills.
Most importantly, it allows them to make sense of the world around them and to become confident, responsible and independent young people.
