OUTDOOR PLAY
Hocus Pocus Nursery Bolton Outdoor Play Areas
Here we have a large grassy area that is used to its full potential. Natural play includes a large mud and water play area, pond, growing patch and den making.
We also utilise the garden where possible for picnics, pumpkin rolling at Halloween and building snowmen at Christmas, although the latter has taken place in March on at least one occasion!
It is not all play! At Hocus Pocus Day Nursery we have developed our own programme called Nature Explorers, which aims:
To develop a healthier lifestyle
Developing a healthy lifestyle in young children is key to helping them develop both mentally and academically. Outdoor play supports children's healthier lifestyles.
To nurture self esteem
Studies have shown that children who feel good about them self are willing to try new things and feel comfortable in new environments. Being involved in new challenges in the great outdoors supports children self esteem even at a very young age. This supports children through important changes in their early lives, such as starting school, moving home, or welcoming a new baby into the family.
To learn to work as a team and develop our communication skills
To develop confidence in working as a team, and supporting their speech and language development.
To develop independence
Giving the children the opportunity to take on challenges in the great outdoors and learning through trial and error helps children develop independence which is beneficial later in life.
To teach resilience and allow for risk taking
With the support of Early Years practitioner activities offered by Nature Explorers gives the children the opportunity to participate in risk assessed activities. This supports children in building resilience within themselves.