As spring awakens, so too does the natural world around us. At QCE Nurseries, the arrival of warmer weather means one thing – more opportunities for children to explore, create, and learn in the great outdoors. Whether they’re digging in the garden, building dens, or balancing on fallen logs, our outdoor learning experiences are about so much more than just play…
A Hands-On Approach to Learning
Every QCE nursery boasts a dedicated Forest School area, led by a passionate Forest School Lead. However, the true magic of outdoor learning extends far beyond one individual – the entire team embraces the joys of muddy hands, wobbly bridges, and curious minds. Our approach nurtures problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, giving children the freedom to experiment and explore the world around them.
Dig for Acorns or Find a Fairy Ring
Children’s imaginations are set free in our Forest School sessions. Can I make a mud pie, or a flower potion? What happens if I add more water? Do fairies live in this garden? These are just some of the questions that drive their natural curiosity. Our trained staff provide the space and encouragement for children to investigate, while also guiding them toward new discoveries.
Embracing Risky Play
At QCE Nurseries, we believe in the immense value of risky play. Climbing, balancing, and adventuring outdoors come with the occasional scrape or bump, but these experiences build resilience and confidence. We take safety seriously, conducting risk assessments while still allowing children to push boundaries and learn through experience.
Outdoor Play – Whatever the Weather
Forest School doesn’t stop when the skies turn grey. Come rain or shine, our children continue to embrace the outdoors – jumping in puddles, building wind chimes, and making shelters under tarpaulins. Every member of our team is trained in outdoor education, ensuring they bring a wealth of games and ideas to keep the learning alive throughout the seasons.
Join Us at Our Open Event
Want to experience the QCE outdoor approach firsthand? Our annual Forest School Open Event invites parents and visitors to explore the world of muddy footprints, natural art, den building, and imaginative play. These sessions run throughout the week, meaning every child has the chance to be part of the adventure.
Growing More Than Just Plants
Beyond Forest School, our Gardening Leads inspire children to nurture and grow. Thanks to generous donations of seeds and bulbs from our wonderful parents, children are busy raking, digging, planting, and watering. Through these experiences, they develop an understanding of sustainability, the life cycle of plants, and the responsibility required to help something grow.
Gardening is not just a springtime activity – it happens all year round. With expanded garden spaces at each nursery, children now have more opportunities than ever to observe the seasons and the planting cycle in real time. From harvesting fruits and vegetables to seeing the first green shoots push through the soil, these experiences instill a love for nature and the environment.
Celebrating Achievements
We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our nurseries. Congratulations to Tinkerbells, Merryvale, and Ducklings nurseries for achieving the Level 1 Royal Horticultural Society Award, a practical-based qualification to grow a foundation level understanding of horticulture, and a testament to the dedication of our team and children alike.
Much More Than Childcare
At QCE Nurseries, we believe in creating experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Forest School and Gardening are just two examples of how we offer Much More Than Childcare. Across our settings, we provide Woodworking, Yoga, Cooking, Makaton, and our very own Music Programme. By June 2025, every nursery will also have an Art Studio and a Library, reinforcing our commitment to creativity, literacy, and holistic learning.
Our sustainability efforts extend to everyday nursery life, with a commitment to nutrition, eco-friendly initiatives, and the promotion of washable nappies to reduce waste. Outdoor learning is not just about mud and mess – it’s about building skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for nature. At QCE Nurseries, we’re proud to offer children a whole world of learning, right at their muddy fingertips.