Evergreen Lodge Nursery and Preschool | The Curiosity Approach

Curiosity Approach and Outdoor Learning

To enable a high level of learning outcomes for the children, our team will follow the EYFS Development Matters to ensure the child’s educational development is priority. We offer a varied range of activities centred around the individual child’s targets and interests. We incorporate “in the moment” planning and use this to engage children and encourage them to extend their imagination and relate to experiences. We are particularly interested in “The Curiosity Approach” which describes itself as “a beautiful recipe book of wonderful ingredients carefully mixed together with experience, passion and the love of early childhood”. Children learn through play with everyday items to develop their own natural curiosity and eagerness to explore and create. This encourages the children to create their own toys to play with whilst also learning about the world around them

Outdoor Learning

We are so lucky to be surrounded by amazing rural spaces and we ensure we use these to our full advantage. Our children spend lots of time outdoors, whether that be in our beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, our forest school, our allotment, our bus of imagination, on the farm site or around the village. There are so many advantages of outdoor learning in early years…

Promotes Physical Development
- Improves balance, coordination, and motor skills.
- Encourages running, climbing, jumping, and other active play.
- Helps children develop strength and fitness.
Supports Mental Health and Well-being
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Increases happiness and self-confidence.
- Encourages a positive attitude towards learning.

Enhances Social Skills
- Promotes teamwork and cooperation.
- Develops communication and problem-solving skills.
- Encourages sharing, negotiating, and taking turns.
Encourages Curiosity and Creativity
- Inspires imaginative play using natural materials.
- Allows children to explore and investigate their surroundings.
- Develops critical thinking through real-life experiences.

Improves Language and Communication
- Introduces new vocabulary related to nature and the environment.
- Encourages conversations, questioning, and storytelling.
- Supports listening and expressive language skills.
Develops Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- Helps children observe plants, animals, weather, and seasons.
- Builds environmental awareness and respect for nature.
- Encourages scientific enquiry through exploration.

Builds Independence and Resilience
- Encourages children to assess risks safely.
- Develops confidence in trying new challenges.
- Promotes perseverance and resilience when overcoming obstacles.
Supports Cognitive Development
- Enhances concentration and attention.
- Strengthens problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Reinforces mathematical concepts through measuring, counting, and sorting natural objects.

Encourages Healthy Lifestyles
- Promotes regular physical activity.
- Provides fresh air and exposure to natural light.
- Helps establish lifelong healthy habits.

Outdoor learning provides rich, engaging experiences that help young children develop essential life skills while fostering a love of learning and nature. It supports the aims of early years education by promoting children's overall development through active, play-based learning in a stimulating outdoor environment. The benefits of Outside learning was recently discussed in the House of Parliment by Liberal Democrat Schools Spokesperson Caroline Voaden: