We believe that all children should have outdoor experiences in all weathers, and we have a well-equipped outdoor area, which the children are able to use all year round in line with guidelines from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
During their time with us, children benefit from a full range of outdoor learning experiences to enable them to reach their full potential. We believe there is no inappropriate weather, only inappropriate clothing. Waterproofs are provided for all children to continue their learning outdoors.
Children have access to our nursery allotment where they have opportunities to learn how to grow ad look after produce. Developing understanding of the world.
We have a mud kitchen area which provides the opportunity to build up early child development through sensory play, role play, imagination, maths and hands on exploration. It provides a rich and genuine messy sensory experience.
There is free flow to allow children to take their learning outside and cater for different learning styles.
Nursery staff regularly take the older children on local outings and trips, to widen their understanding and experience of their local community and the world around them. We require parents’/carers’ permission to take children on outings and risk assessments are carried out in advance.
Forest School is a nature-based education where we nurture-learner-led experiences through exploration and discovery.
At Durham University Day nursery, we host forest school sessions within our local woodlands (Pelaw woods) for our Bluebell children. We support and promote self-confidence, self-esteem and well-being at its core. think of the woodlands as a blank canvas, where children can embrace challenges, develop their characters, hone their resilience and problem-solving skills.
the forest is bursting with different colours, textures, smells and textiles to stir the children's curiosity.
At Durham University Day nursery, we facilitate the children's play, support decision making, interaction and ability to work in partnership with their peers.
As part of County Durham’s Early Years Healthy Setting programme we are excited to have signed up to become a ‘healthy setting’ and have pledged to promote physical activity for the children at nursery. To support us to do this we signed up for the ‘Active 30’ campaign and agreed to offer 30 minutes of physical activity to children daily, which is incorporated into our daily routine. The children have really enjoyed taking part in our ‘Active 30’ activities, being physical is definitely a favourite of our children so the ‘Active 30’ challenge has been very enjoyable! You can see our ‘Active 30’ campaign videos by clicking on the links below:
Snowdrops/Buttercups Active 30 - 1.10, Nursery Rhymes, Durham Uni - Morning - YouTube
Sunflowers Active 30 - 1.11, Nursery Games, Durham Uni - Morning - YouTube
Bluebells Active 30 - 1.12, Nursery Songs and Dances, Durham Uni - Morning - YouTube
Learn more about our nursery offering.
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/about-us/Nursery.png)