Saws, mud, rope swings, open fires... and not an iPad in sight
Nursery defies elf ’n’ safety killjoys — and gets top Ofsted rating
GIVEN today’s suffocating health and safety rules, you might think that teachers who let youngsters run wild in woodland every day would be frowned on.
Yet an outdoor nursery which shuns modern technology and allows toddlers to roll around in the mud and even cut wood using a huge saw has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Set in a forest and with no running water or electricity, the Elves and Fairies Woodland Nursery in Dorset says its goal is to teach the importance of nature.
Six members of staff watch over children as they clamber over trees, play on rope swings, chop vegetables and cook lunch over an open fire.
And while that may sound like some parents’ worst nightmare, the nursery has been rated one of the best in the area by Ofsted. Inspectors were astonished to find the children showing unusually high levels of confidence and independence as a result of them being left to enjoy the open air.
The 12 children spend all day outside in the elements come rain or shine, abiding by the motto ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing’.
An average day will see children sing songs around a fire, build shelters, take part in nature crafts and splash in puddles.
Maths often involves using collected sticks for counting, while the children use bark and leaves as part of their art lessons. They also grow their own herbs and make their own bread.
If it rains the youngsters will be given wellies, waterproof clothing and hats, and there are opensided shelters to offer some protection from the elements.
Owner Kirsteen Freer, 57, who started the nursery in 2007, said: ‘We believe that the closer to nature the children are the happier they will be and the more they will learn. I grew up going on camping holidays, for walks and picnics and so did my children, but I became aware there were quite a lot of children who didn’t have those experiences.
‘Many children are out of touch with the natural world as their lives mainly take place inside, surrounded by modern technology.
‘Our hope is that they will grow into teenagers and adults that aren’tciate She what’s added:easily bored around ‘Nurseriesand them.’ that have appre-got better at providing outdoor learning but there are not many that are outside all day. ‘We were really pleased with the Ofsted report. We felt we were doing a good job but to have it recognised is brilliant. I hope this will reassure parents to step out- sideand feel the confidentnormal kind their of children nursery will learn everything they need as well as benefiting physically.’ The nursery, which costs £37.50 for a full day, is also cheaper than many of its indoor equivalents. The Ofsted inspectors said: ‘Children are highly motivated by the extremely exciting range of challenging learning experiences that immersedexplore, staff investigateprovide.in learning They and as becomeengagethey withthe woodland.’the natural environment of Parent Hilary King said: ‘ The staff are so skilled at identifying learning opportunities in the natural environment and know how to extend the activity in a way that supports learning.’
‘They’re happier closer to nature’