4 Benefits of Outdoor Play for Kids at Nursery

At Seesaw Nursery, based in Bedworth and proudly established in 1990, we have long recognised the importance of outdoor play for babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Outdoor play is an essential part of our day nursery’s approach to holistic childcare, designed to support healthy development and create meaningful experiences for the children in our care.

1. Enhances Physical Development

Outdoor play is crucial for children’s physical growth. At Seesaw Nursery, we understand that movement and exercise are key components of healthy development. Engaging in physical activities like running, climbing, and exploring the environment gives children opportunities to strengthen their muscles, improve coordination, and develop motor skills.

Our secure outdoor spaces are designed with babies, toddlers, and preschool children in mind, providing age-appropriate equipment to challenge and engage young learners. From encouraging crawling for infants to balancing exercises for preschoolers, our nursery grounds help children grow physically while having fun. This focus on active play supports the early years’ physical milestones, which are vital for developing strength and agility.

2. Boosts Emotional Wellbeing

Fresh air and a natural environment have a profound impact on emotional health, which is something we prioritise in our childcare approach at Seesaw Nursery in Bedworth. Outdoor play allows children to release energy, experience joy, and develop a sense of freedom that helps reduce stress and anxiety. This positive impact on emotional wellbeing is particularly important for young children, who may experience nervousness during their early years of nursery care.

Our day nursery’s outdoor setting provides a calm and engaging atmosphere where children can feel relaxed and happy. The sights and sounds of nature stimulate a sense of curiosity and wonder, which supports emotional development and resilience. By spending quality time outdoors, children learn to regulate their emotions and feel a stronger connection to the world around them.

3. Encourages Social Skills and Teamwork

Social interaction is a key element of nursery education, and outdoor play provides an excellent opportunity for developing these skills. Whether it’s toddlers playing together in the sandpit or preschoolers engaging in group games, the outdoor environment is a natural setting for learning how to work as a team and communicate effectively. At Seesaw Nursery, our childcare philosophy focuses on fostering collaboration and positive social interactions through shared outdoor activities.

Children learn to take turns, share resources, and resolve conflicts with their peers during play. For babies, outdoor play may include observing and interacting with others in a safe and stimulating environment. Our experienced staff support children in navigating social dynamics, helping them to build friendships and develop important communication skills that will benefit them throughout their schooling and beyond.

4. Stimulates Cognitive Development

Exploring the outdoors is also a fantastic way to stimulate cognitive growth. Our day nursery in Bedworth encourages curiosity and exploration, which are essential components of early learning. Activities like counting leaves, observing insects, or building with natural materials spark curiosity and foster problem-solving skills. For toddlers and preschool-aged children, these experiences provide hands-on learning that supports concepts like shapes, numbers, and cause-and-effect relationships.

At Seesaw Nursery, we tailor outdoor experiences to suit the different developmental stages of our children. Babies are gently introduced to the wonders of the outdoors, engaging their senses with safe and supervised activities. As they grow, toddlers and preschoolers participate in more structured outdoor learning, helping them prepare for their academic journey.

Conclusion

Outdoor play is more than just fun; it is a critical part of nurturing well-rounded development in children. Seesaw Nursery has been a trusted day nursery in Bedworth since 1990, specialising in high-quality childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our commitment to outdoor play supports physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, ensuring your child has the best possible start in life. If you’re seeking a nurturing and engaging environment for your child, we invite you to discover how Seesaw Nursery can make a positive difference.