Our Youngest Children in Nature
Nurturing Growth Through Nature
At Jack and Gill, we believe even our youngest children deserve the opportunity to grow and learn through nature. From around the age of one, children in our care are gently introduced to age-appropriate outdoor experiences that support confidence, wellbeing and curiosity.
Surrounded by fresh air, natural light and open space, children begin a journey of discovery through movement, sensory play and shared experiences with caring adults.
Why Nature Matters in the Early Years
Educational thinkers such as Froebel, Montessori and Margaret McMillan recognised the value of outdoor play, freedom of movement and rich sensory experiences in early childhood.
Young children learn through touching, moving, listening, watching and exploring. Outdoors offers endless opportunities for this kind of natural learning — from the sound of birdsong to the feel of leaves, bark or grass beneath little hands.
These early experiences help children build confidence, resilience and a love of learning.
The Benefits of Outdoor Experiences
Nature-based learning can help young children to:
- develop balance, coordination and physical strength
- explore textures, sounds, light and colour
- build confidence in new environments
- enjoy calm, happy moments outdoors
- develop curiosity about the world around them
Gentle Sensory Adventures
Our youngest children may enjoy:
- listening to birdsong and the wind in the trees
- watching light move through leaves
- exploring natural scents after rainfall or in springtime
- handling safe natural treasures such as leaves, sticks and stones
- stories, songs and quiet moments outdoors
All experiences are carefully supervised and planned with children’s ages and needs in mind.
Growing Together
Outdoor experiences support not only physical development, but also emotional wellbeing, independence and wonder.
At Jack and Gill, we believe childhood should include fresh air, meaningful experiences and time to connect with the natural world.
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