At Kendal Nursery School we recognise the outdoors as a powerful and inspiring place for young children to learn. Our gardens and wild spaces provide daily opportunities for adventure, exploration and discovery.
We believe learning outdoors is equally as valuable as indoors. Children are free to choose where they want to play and learn, developing new skills, knowledge and attitudes in a natural, stimulating environment.
Outdoor School – Part of Our Preschool Offer 🌿
Preschool children can now choose full Outdoor School days as part of their nursery week. From forest feasts and fire cooking to woodland walks and growing vegetables, every day is a real adventure!
✨ Available Mondays–Fridays, 9am – 3pm (with wraparound care options)
✨ Led by a qualified teacher with a 1:6 ratio – small groups, big attention
✨ Children help prepare their own lunches – from wraps and soups to picnics and jacket potatoes
✨ All-weather outdoor learning, with an indoor base room for warming up (no plastic toys, just imagination and real-world play)
✨ Builds resilience, confidence and independence through real tools, real experiences, and real joy
Families can choose for their child to attend Outdoor School for 1–5 days each week, using funded hours with a small daily supplement of £10 to support staffing, splash suits, activities and food.
Forest School – Every Day in Our Gardens 🌳
Forest School is not a once-a-week experience—it’s part of daily life here at Kendal Nursery School. Every day, children immerse themselves in the natural world through:
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Den and shelter building
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Fire lighting and outdoor cooking
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Climbing, balancing, digging and mud play
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Green woodworking and safe tool use
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Nature investigations, bug hunts and plant identification
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Storytelling, circle time and imaginative play in the wild
Our extensive grounds, along with local woods and wild spaces, mean that children experience the joy and challenge of learning outdoors in every season
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Spending time outdoors benefits children in countless ways:
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Promotes physical and mental wellbeing
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Encourages problem-solving, creativity and resilience
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Provides rich opportunities for language, communication and teamwork
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Develops a lifelong connection to the natural world
At Kendal Nursery School, we truly believe outdoor learning is real learning.
Inspiring Learning, Naturally 🌱
