At the Mulberry Bush we know that outdoor play is a vital component of childhood development, providing numerous benefits for children starting from infancy. Here’s why it’s essential to ensure that even the youngest children have access to outdoor play environments. This is why Mulberry Bush nurseries all provide rich and varied outdoor play areas for children of all age groups.

Outdoor play encourages babies and young children to move and explore, which helps develop their motor skills. Crawling on grass, pulling up on playground equipment, and walking on uneven surfaces strengthen their muscles and improve coordination and balance. These activities are crucial for building a strong physical foundation. This is why all of our nurseries feature outdoor play environments that provide a variety of physical challenges for all children from babies to school leavers.

Nature provides a rich sensory experience that is hard to replicate indoors, this is why we have rich natural play areas in all of our nursery gardens. The textures of leaves, the sounds of birds, and the visual diversity of a natural environment stimulate all five senses. This sensory engagement supports cognitive development and helps babies make sense of the world around them. Plenty of bushes and trees also provide excellent homes for bugs and minibeasts for some fabulous bug hunts!

Spending time outdoors exposes children to natural light, which is essential for regulating sleep patterns and boosting mood. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and immune function. Adequate exposure to natural light also helps prevent issues like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We ensure that all children, spend time out of doors what ever the weather. Our nurseries are also designed to maximize natural light indoors with large windows in all our children’s spaces.

Our outdoor environments are dynamic and ever-changing, sparking curiosity and a sense of adventure in children. From observing insects to discovering plants, outdoor play encourages exploration and nurtures a love for nature. This curiosity is a critical component of learning and intellectual growth, another of the ways that the Mulberry Bush nurseries helps all of the children in our care to achieve their potential!

Outdoor play often involves interaction with other children, fostering social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and communication. Babies and toddlers learn to navigate social dynamics and develop relationships in a natural setting, which is foundational for their social development.

• Create a safe environment: Ensure that outdoor play environments are safe and age appropriate for your little ones, all whilst keeping it exciting and allowing them to explore and take controlled and safe risks.
• Dress appropriately: Dress children in suitable clothing for the weather to ensure comfort and protection, but try not to limit them, if they want to wear that princess dress in the garden but its pouring with rain, add some tights/leggings and pop on a coat over the top.
• Join in: Spend time outdoors with your children. Your involvement can enhance their experiences and provide valuable bonding time.
• Provide simple tools: Toys like buckets, shovels, and balls can enhance outdoor play but are not always necessary. Sometimes, nature itself is the best playground.
• Be consistent: Make outdoor play a regular part of your child’s routine to maximise its benefits.

Starting outdoor play from a young age lays the groundwork for a healthy, active, and curious lifestyle. The physical, sensory, and emotional benefits of nature play are profound, helping to shape well-rounded, happy, and resilient children. By encouraging outdoor play, you’re giving your child the best start in life.