Outdoors

In Reception, we are lucky enough to have directed access to an outdoor area which is a direct extension of the inside classroom, provided a dynamic and inspiring extension environment designed to ignite curiosity and foster deep learning through play.

We have 3 main areas within out outdoors provision 

Sand/Tuff Spot, Construction and Mud

Sand / Tuff Spot Area

The tactile sand area offers endless opportunities for developing, mathematical concepts (through pouring and measuring), fine motor skills, hand eye coordination and collaborative play. 

The nature of the open ended play opportunities allows the children to develop their imagination. 

We often place different activities in the Tuff Spot other than sand, such as ice in the winter months, water in the summer months and other exciting items too.

Mud and Garden Area

The mud and garden area allows children to practice and consolidate gross motor skills such as balancing and digging whilst exploring nature and the world by planting seeds and allowing children to connect with the cycles of nature. We use this area in the Spring Term to plant and grow various plants, and again in the Summer Term to explore for mini beasts and release our butterflies. 

Construction Area

The construction area is designed to ignite curiosity and foster deep learning through play. Here, children have access to a range of crates which invites them to design, build, and problem-solve on a grand scale.

These robust, open-ended crates become whatever the children imagine – from towering castles and dens to winding obstacle courses and vehicles.

This areas allows children to develop crucial spatial reasoning, cooperation, and resilience as they work together to bring their grand designs to life, adapting and refining their creations through trial and error.