How Outdoor Learning Benefits Your Child at Crosfields
As parents search for the best nursery Reading or a private nursery in Reading that offers something truly distinctive, one feature stands out: Forest School.
Outdoor learning isn’t just about getting muddy and having fun (though there’s plenty of that!); it’s about nurturing curiosity, independence, and confidence in children from an early age.
At Crosfields Nursery (Little Acorns), outdoor exploration is woven into our curriculum. As a leading nursery (with forest school) parents trust, we understand that nature provides the best classroom of all.
1. Builds Confidence & Independence
Forest School sessions encourage children to explore, take small, safe risks, and solve problems independently. Whether balancing on logs, building dens, or investigating woodland wildlife, children develop self-assurance through achievement.
Our staff are trained to guide children gently, allowing them to lead their own discoveries, an approach that fosters a sense of ownership and pride.
This is one of the reasons many families choose Crosfields when comparing private nurseries in Reading UK.
2. Enhances Physical Development & Coordination
Climbing, jumping, running, and balancing are all part of outdoor learning. These natural activities build gross and fine motor skills far more effectively than many indoor alternatives.
At Crosfields, children benefit from both forest school adventures and access to our purpose-built outdoor play areas.
Combined with weekly swimming sessions in the school pool, a weekly dance class, a PE lesson, and a Games lesson. We provide one of the most well-rounded physical development programmes among nurseries in Reading.
3. Encourages Curiosity, Creativity & Problem Solving
Nature inspires imagination. A fallen branch can become a bridge, a den, or a dragon’s tail! Through open-ended play, Forest School supports creative thinking and early science learning.
Crosfields’ proximity to the main school means our children also enjoy access to science labs for themed lessons, linking outdoor curiosity with early scientific understanding.
This combination of forest learning and classroom exploration makes us a top choice for parents seeking the best nursery Reading for holistic early education.
4. Promotes Emotional Wellbeing & Connection to Nature
Spending time outdoors reduces stress, enhances mood, and supports emotional regulation, even in the youngest children.
Forest School activities help children understand and manage emotions through shared experiences, mindfulness, and sensory exploration.
Our private nursery campus offers a secure, green environment where children can thrive emotionally and socially, key aspects parents often look for when searching for safe nurseries or top-rated nurseries.
5. Strengthens Social Skills & Teamwork
Forest School sessions naturally encourage cooperation. Building a shelter, collecting materials, or following trails teaches children how to work together, listen, and communicate effectively.
At Crosfields, these social experiences are complemented by small class sizes, caring staff, and a community ethos. We ensure that every child, whether in our 2 year old nursery places Reading or nursery for 3–4 year olds Reading, feels valued and included.
Why Forest School Sets Crosfields Apart
Not all nurseries in Reading offer Forest School as part of their curriculum, but at Crosfields, it’s a core component. Our pupils benefit from:
- Weekly Forest School sessions with qualified leaders
- A secure, enclosed early years area within a converted house.
- Access to the main school’s library, swimming pool, science facilities, sports hall, and art rooms theatre.
- Nutritious, home-cooked meals and healthy snacks throughout the day
- Flexible nursery hours and wrap-around care options for busy families
It’s this unique combination, Forest School, specialist teaching, and exceptional facilities, that positions Crosfields among the best nurseries in Reading families can choose.
Discovering the Best School in Reading with a Forest School Program
When comparing private nurseries in Reading, look beyond the classroom. Ask about:
- Qualified Forest School leaders and frequency of outdoor sessions
- Safety measures and risk assessments
- Opportunities for science, creative, and physical learning outdoors
- How nature-based activities link to the EYFS curriculum
At Crosfields, outdoor learning isn’t an add-on, it’s integral to our philosophy. We believe the best nurseries provides children with opportunities to explore both inside and out, preparing them not only for Reception but for a lifelong love of learning.
Final Thoughts: A Natural Advantage for Early Years Learning
If you’re looking for a Nursery in Reading that offers Forest School that blends academic readiness with outdoor adventure, Crosfields Nursery (Little Acorns) offers the perfect balance.
From swimming sessions and specialist teaching to forest learning and home-cooked meals, everything we do supports confident, happy, and curious learners.
Learn more about nursery fees, Early Years funding, and cost of private nursery by visiting our website or booking a personal tour.
Discover why so many parents choose Crosfields, the Reading pre-school private setting where children truly flourish.