How Does Outdoor Play Impact Early Childhood Development?

Outdoor play is far more than “letting off steam.” Research consistently shows that time spent outdoors supports children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. In the UK, the EYFS framework highlights the importance of providing children with opportunities to explore the natural world, take safe risks, and develop independence.

🌱 The Research Behind Outdoor Play

• Physical Development: Studies show that children who play outdoors regularly have better balance, coordination, and motor skills. Activities like climbing, running, and digging strengthen muscles and promote healthy growth.

• Cognitive Growth: Outdoor environments stimulate problem-solving and creativity. According to research from the University of Cambridge, unstructured outdoor play fosters curiosity and critical thinking.

• Emotional Wellbeing: Time in nature reduces stress and supports resilience. The Natural England report (2020) found that children who spend time outdoors are happier and more confident.

• Social Skills: Group play outdoors encourages teamwork, negotiation, and empathy. The EYFS specifically emphasises the role of outdoor play in developing communication and language.

• Connection to Nature: Early exposure to the natural world builds environmental awareness and responsibility—skills that last a lifetime.

🌳 Outdoor Play in the EYFS

The EYFS requires nurseries to provide daily opportunities for outdoor play, regardless of weather. This is because outdoor learning supports all seven areas of development, from Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) to Understanding the World. Importantly, outdoor play is not separate from learning—it is learning.

🌟 Outdoor Learning at Nursery Days Children’s Nursery

At Nursery Days Children’s Nursery in Upchurch, near Sittingbourne, outdoor learning is woven into everyday life. The nursery is set in a rural village with stunning natural spaces, giving children the freedom to explore, discover, and thrive.

Highlights include:

• Forest School at the Orchard: A 100-year-old orchard with a log cabin and shepherds huts provides a magical setting for Forest School sessions. Children build dens, explore wildlife, and develop resilience through hands-on experiences.

• Beach School Adventures: With access to local coastal areas, children experience the wonders of the seaside—learning about tides, collecting natural treasures, and developing a love for the environment.

• Purpose-Built Gardens: Each age group has its own garden, designed to encourage exploration and independence. Babies can crawl straight into their grass play garden, while older children enjoy expansive outdoor classrooms.

• Animal Care: Children help look after chickens, guinea pigs, donkeys, and even a tortoise—building empathy, responsibility, and joy in caring for living things.

• Outdoor Adventures: A nursery minibus takes children on trips to farms, woodlands, and local nature reserves, extending learning beyond the nursery gates.

🌿 Why Outdoor Play Matters for Your Child

Choosing a nursery that prioritises outdoor learning means giving your child the chance to:

• Build confidence and independence.

• Develop strong physical health and coordination.

• Foster creativity and problem-solving skills.

• Experience joy, calm, and resilience in nature.

• Gain a strong foundation for school readiness.

At Nursery Days, every funded hour is enriched with outdoor experiences that nurture the whole child.

👉 Discover more and book a visit at www.nurserydays-upchurch.co.uk