Set in the grounds of Abbotts Hall Nature Discovery Park near Colchester, where children can enjoy both freedom and security, the outdoor nursery is run by early learning experts at Essex Wildlife Trust, the most experienced provider oof outdoor education in the county.
The nature nursery is nestled among meadows and grassland, with large open skies and sheltered woodland to explore. Different zones within the nursery provide a variety of sensory and learning experiences. The nursery itself is fully outdoors with an outdoor kitchen, composting toilets and a yurt with a log burner for the unfavourable weather conditions.
The trust believes that to create a sustainable future, education must be based on a deep relationship with the natural world. Learning will follow the early years Foundation Stage curriculum guidelines and statutory requirements, in the same way as a conventional indoor nursery. However, there will be a focus on holistic learning, and children will gain from the breadth of stimulating natural spaces to provide a healthy measure of awe and wonder.
All staff are highly qualified in Early Years, Forest School qualified leaders and specialists in their field and the Nature Nursery is Ofsted registered. At the Nature Nursery, children will have the opportunity to explore different habits and natural processes, while learning about wildlife with the support of expert staff. From learning to tie knots and working together to cook lunch that they grow in the garden to playing in the woodlands, climbing trees, digging and making mud pies.
Children will have the opportunity to become confident and independent, curious and playful, develop a love of nature and wildlife and forge lasting friendships.
