There are a variety of documents on our website which underpin our practice however, if you want a quick insight into what our nursery is all about then this document is for you!

Here at Boldon Outdoor Nursery we are strong advocates for children’s rights to a high-quality childhood and early education. We understand that children are capable and competent, able to lead much of their own learning with sensitive teaching, mentoring and guidance facilitated by highly skilled and nurturing adults. Children are naturally curious about the world, and we believe curiosity and novelty inspires learning.

The word ‘curriculum’ is used to describe the learning experiences children have at nursery. These experiences are consistent with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework which children will follow in nursery through to the end of their reception year in which ever primary school you choose.

The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework identifies seven areas of learning:

Three Prime Areas of Learning are:
 Personal, Social and Emotional Development
 Communication and Language
 Physical Development

Four Specific Areas of Learning are:
 Literacy
 Mathematics
 Understanding the World
 Expressive Art and Design

Children’s progress in the prime areas is fundamental and should be firmly embedded to ensure achievement in the specific areas is built on firm foundations.

The Characteristics of Effective Learning are also extremely important – practitioners reflect on the different ways that children learn,and then integrate these in their practice:

 playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things and ‘have a go’
 active learning – children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy achievements
 creating and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things

Our Outdoor Nursery provides a unique provision which facilitates both the prime and specific areas of learning and supports the characteristics of effective learning alongside our Core Values.

Within the indoor space we have our home from home.  This area is carefully designed to support the outdoors; the dining area, the lounge and kitchen, our changing spaces, the studio and the Nido.

Outside is where the magic happens…

Allotment
Our allotment was created some time ago when children and parents raised a large amount of money to help start the project. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and is another way to connect children with nature whilst developing an understanding of where the
fruit and vegetables we eat come from.

Beach
In South Tyneside we have some of the most amazing beaches in the northeast of England. The coast is a major part of our culture and heritage. In the nursery we have a beach area, sand, rocks, pebbles and sea with a replica of Souter Lighthouse.

Firehouse
At the heart of our outdoor nursery is the fire house, where many of our family celebrations take place. We explore the benefits of risk and spend quality time with children and parents teaching how to assess and mange risks that the world has to offer.

Shelter
“There is no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing.”

We know if children are dressed appropriately then the space they will choose to be and learn in is the great outdoors. Three years of intensive research regarding the value of the outdoors inspired the nursery to operate as it stands today. We have several spaces in the garden where the children can take shelter; the willow den, the cabin, the hide, the orchid.

Wilderness
Our outdoor nursery provides children with the time and the space to connect with nature in their own way. The potential for children to make deep learning connections with nature is the essence of the space.