Outdoor Learning
Spending time outdoors is an important part of life at Chinthurst, where children are encouraged to explore, imagine and discover in the fresh air.
From Nursery onwards, learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. Whether building dens, searching for minibeasts, creating nature-inspired artwork or practising maths with playground chalk, outdoor experiences are woven into everyday school life, inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
Inspiring Young Explorers in Early Years
Nursery, Pre-Reception and Reception children enjoy dedicated outdoor learning spaces and playgrounds, enabling free-flow play and learning throughout the day. They also make full use of the wider school grounds, including the main playground, central field and nearby woodland areas.
Regular woodland learning sessions nurture curiosity, resilience and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Children might spend an afternoon exploring the local woods or pond, collecting natural treasures, drilling conkers, painting, balancing on logs or creating with found materials. Sessions often conclude with children gathering together for a favourite story, a hot chocolate and a biscuit, reflecting on their adventures and sharing their discoveries.
Learning Without Walls
Research shows that spending time in nature can improve wellbeing, support concentration, reduce stress and help children thrive both socially and academically. We see these benefits every day as children return from outdoor sessions feeling calm, confident and ready for their next challenge.
As Dr Tessa Livingstone, creator of the Child of Our Time project, observed:
Even today, the things children love the most are free
Climbing trees, splashing in puddles, making dens and simply having the freedom to explore are experiences that spark imagination and help children develop independence, problem-solving skills and a sense of adventure.
Lessons in the Great Outdoors
Throughout the year, children take advantage of our purpose-built outdoor classrooms, located within both the Lower and Upper School grounds, providing inspiring settings for lessons in every season.
Children can often be found measuring distances around the playground, investigating fractions with colourful chalk, hunting for signs of seasonal change or enjoying story time beneath the trees. Wherever possible, learning is brought to life through hands-on experiences in our beautiful surroundings and local woodland.
