"Preparing for school, how do indoor and outdoor nurseries shape confident school- ready children"

School readiness

Nurseries play a crucial role in preparing children for school by providing them with a nurturing and educational environment. The specific approach may vary between nurseries, but here are some common ways in which nurseries generally prepare children for school:

• Early Learning Curriculum: Nurseries typically follow an early learning curriculum that focuses on essential skills and knowledge areas such as language and literacy development, numeracy, social skills, and physical development. They create age-appropriate activities and provide a structured learning environment to build a strong foundation for formal education.

• School Readiness Programs: Many nurseries have dedicated school readiness programs aimed at helping children transition smoothly to formal schooling. These programs may include activities that develop pre-reading and pre-writing skills, basic numeracy concepts, problem-solving abilities, and independence in tasks such as self-care and organization.

• Social and Emotional Development: Nurseries prioritise social and emotional development by encouraging interaction, cooperation, and communication among children. They foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere where children learn to manage their emotions, develop empathy, and build relationships with peers and teachers. These skills are crucial for school readiness and overall well-being.

• Routine and Structure: Nurseries often establish daily routines and structures similar to those found in schools. They help children become familiar with schedules, transitions, and classroom rules, fostering a sense of predictability and stability. This familiarity helps children adjust more easily when they transition to a formal school setting.

• Independent Skills: Nurseries work on developing independent skills in children, such as dressing themselves, using the toilet, and eating without assistance. These self-help skills not only promote independence but also enable children to navigate the school environment more confidently.

When it comes to outdoor nurseries, there are some additional elements that set them apart from traditional indoor nurseries. Outdoor nurseries place a strong emphasis on nature-based learning and outdoor play. They often have access to natural environments like forests, gardens, or parks, which provide unique learning opportunities. Here's how outdoor nurseries may differ in preparing children for school:

• Nature Exploration: Outdoor nurseries encourage children to explore and engage with the natural world. They facilitate activities like nature walks, gardening, wildlife observation, and sensory experiences in natural surroundings. This approach fosters a deep appreciation for nature and develops curiosity, observation skills, and ecological awareness.

• Physical Development: Outdoor nurseries offer ample space for children to engage in physical activities and develop gross motor skills. Climbing, balancing, running, and playing in nature contribute to the development of coordination, strength, and spatial awareness. Physical development plays a vital role in a child's ability to sit at a table and write. The development of core muscles through activities like running, jumping, and playing provides stability and support for proper posture and fine motor control. Strong core muscles help children sit upright, maintain balance, and engage in focused writing tasks. Activities that challenge balance, coordination, and body awareness contribute to postural control, while gross motor activities develop overall muscle strength, coordination, and motor planning necessary for refined fine motor skills. Encouraging physical play and movement fosters the physical abilities essential for sitting at a table and engaging in writing activities.

• Resilience and Risk Management: Outdoor nurseries provide an environment where children can take measured risks, such as climbing trees or crossing streams. These experiences help children develop resilience, problem-solving abilities, and risk management skills. They learn to assess and manage potential hazards, enhancing their overall confidence and decision-making capabilities.

• Environmental Education: Outdoor nurseries often incorporate environmental education into their curriculum. Children learn about sustainability, conservation, and the interconnections between living beings and the natural world. This education instills a sense of responsibility towards the environment, fostering future environmental stewards.

It's important to note that while outdoor nurseries have their unique approach, both traditional indoor nurseries and outdoor nurseries aim to provide children with a solid foundation for their future education, albeit through different contexts and methodologies.