01257 272 515
info@hmchildcare.co.uk
Opening Times: Monday to Friday - 7:00am - 6:30pm

One Acre of Outdoor Learning

At Hearts & Minds Childcare, our expansive one-acre garden is a vital part of our learning environment. This beautiful outdoor space provides children of all ages with daily opportunities to explore, play, and connect with nature. We believe outdoor play is essential for healthy development, which is why our garden is used every day, in all seasons and weather conditions.

View Our Other Rooms!

Baby
Room

Gentle Beginnings for Your Little One

Learn More

Toddler
Room

Exploring the World with Confidence

Learn More

Preschool
Room

Ready for School, Ready for Life

Learn More

Outdoor
Garden

Learning Through Nature All Year Round

Learn More

Garden Features

Natural Play Spaces

Our garden combines natural elements with purposeful play equipment:

  • Open grass spaces for running, games, and sports activities
  • Mud kitchen for sensory play and creative exploration
  • Sand and water play areas
  • Climbing equipment and adventure trail
Growing and Nature

Children learn about the natural world through hands-on experiences:

Natures Classroom

Outdoor Learning Approach

We incorporate outdoor learning principles into our daily outdoor experiences, encouraging children to connect deeply with nature. Through child-led exploration, children develop confidence, independence and a genuine love for the outdoor environment. Our practitioners facilitate rather than direct, allowing children to follow their curiosity, take appropriate risks, and learn through hands-on discovery in our natural spaces.

Weather Warriors Programme

At Hearts & Minds, we embrace all weather conditions as learning opportunities. Our "Weather Warriors" approach means children experience the outdoors year-round, properly equipped with waterproofs, wellies, and weather-appropriate clothing. Whether splashing in puddles, crunching through frost, or feeling sunshine on their faces, children learn resilience, develop stronger immune systems, and gain a positive relationship with nature in all its forms.

Book A Tour

Our Outdoor Learning

Our garden supports all areas of the Early Years curriculum

Daily
activities
  • Physical development through climbing, balancing, and active play
  • Scientific exploration of weather, seasons, and wildlife
  • Creative activities including mud painting and nature art
  • Social skills developed through collaborative outdoor games
All Weather
Approach
  • Sun hats and shaded areas for summer
  • Waterproofs and wellies available for rainy days
  • Seasonal activities that celebrate nature's changes
  • Covered spaces allowing outdoor experiences year-round
Benefits of Our
Garden
  • Confidence and independence
  • Love and respect for nature
  • Social skills through shared play
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Physical strength and coordination

Physical Development and Movement

Our expansive garden is alive with movement throughout the day. Children develop their gross motor skills naturally as they pedal bikes and scooters along our dedicated paths, navigate obstacle courses, and engage in energetic games. The varied terrain of our acre of land provides different challenges – from smooth pathways perfect for wheeled toys to grassy areas ideal for running and jumping activities that build strength and coordination.
View Our Latest News

Water Play and Exploration

Water play is a beloved feature of our outdoor provision, offering endless learning opportunities. Our water tables become laboratories where children experiment with floating and sinking, pouring and measuring. During warmer months, paddling pools and water slides transform our garden into an aquatic adventure playground. These activities not only provide sensory delight but also introduce early scientific concepts as children discover how water moves, flows, and changes.

Transitioning to the Milestone Natural Materials and Construction

Our garden is rich with natural resources that inspire creativity and problem-solving. Children work with wooden blocks to create towers and structures, developing spatial awareness and engineering skills. The simple act of stacking, balancing, and building outdoors adds an extra dimension of challenge as they work on uneven surfaces and in different weather conditions. These natural materials connect children to the environment while fostering imaginative play and mathematical thinking.

Garden Yoga and Mindfulness

Not all outdoor learning is high-energy – our garden also provides peaceful spaces for calm activities. We regularly practice yoga on the grass, helping children develop body awareness and flexibility while breathing in fresh air. These mindful moments in nature teach children to appreciate stillness and develop emotional regulation skills. The natural environment provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection.
Meet Our Team

Group Games and Social Play

Our acre of space truly comes into its own during group activities. Children learn valuable social skills through traditional games, relay races, and team challenges. Whether they’re working together to roll hoops across the garden or participating in circle games under the trees, these collaborative experiences build friendships and teach important lessons about cooperation, turn-taking, and fair play.

Accessing our curriculum documents

We’re proud of the care and thought that has gone into our curriculum planning. If you would like to view our detailed curriculum policy documents, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Book A Tour

Call Us Today

Contact Us