General Information
Greenacre Nursery School, Bootle: Curriculum
Playing Outdoors
We are very fortunate in having extensive natural grounds, which have been thoughtfully developed for learning outdoors. This facility is often described as “an oasis in the heart of Bootle”, and we take very good care of it. In order to get the most out of it, staff value the opportunities it gives us, and plan exciting learning experiences across the curriculum. We draw and write with chalk on the flags; we keep score of the number of goals or “baskets” on a tally sheet; we hunt for spiders, ladybirds and each other, playing “Hide and Seek”, and we act out stories and rhymes such as “The Billy Goats Gruff”, “Bear Hunt” and “Jack and Jill”.
Of course, the sun doesn’t always shine. But children need exercise and fresh air to stay healthy, so we have raised funds to buy wellingtons for all the children, so that they can get onto the grass in the winter months. We do our best to get out in all weathers for at least part of the session. Children are wrapped up well and have so much fun – the hardest part is matching them up with their shoes afterwards!
We plan to purchase “all-in-one” waterproof clothing or capes in the future, to keep the children as dry as possible. In the meantime, a mac or other waterproof is recommended, to enable your child to maximise the opportunities for learning that we can offer. Medical opinion confirms that colds and chills are caused by viruses, rather than getting wet – and the best place to avoid those germs is in the fresh air!