OUR GARDEN
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At Footprints, we are lucky to have four garden areas where the children can play, explore, and learn. There are areas for the planting of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, allowing the children to learn about the stages of growth and the exciting harvest time. In addition, we have a free-flow area outside the Pre School building, this area is also used for outdoor classes such as Fit and Fun, which is run by an external teacher. A short walk outside the premises takes us to Ben’s Wood, to which we have free access.
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Our over two's Garden
The garden for the over two’s has recently been revamped and offers the children a wide range of play and learning experiences with a sand pit and mud kitchen area for imaginative and physical play, balance beams, bicycles, scooters, stilts, space hoppers and wheely boards to develop balance, building bocks, animals, vehicles etc. for collaborative play. There are areas for setting up scenarios, brooms for sweeping up leaves, loose parts to spark the children’s imagination and many other resources too numerous to mention. The children access the garden in all weathers and have splash suits to keep them dry in the rain.
Our Babies Garden
The babies and toddlers have their own safe and secure gardens, one with direct access from Tiggy Winkles and one from Timmy Tiptoes. This age group takes many walks in our six and four-seater buggies in the surrounding area, as well as spending lots of time in the garden. In addition, we have a free-flow area outside the Pre School building. This area is also used for outdoor classes such as Fit and Fun, which is run by an external teacher.
Learning about Nature
At Footprints, nature is an essential part of children’s learning and everyday experiences. We believe that the natural world provides rich, meaningful opportunities for children to explore, discover, and develop a deep sense of curiosity and respect for their environment. Time spent outdoors supports children’s physical wellbeing, emotional regulation, and overall development, while encouraging independence and confidence.
Through hands-on experiences such as woodland walks, gardening, observing wildlife, and exploring natural materials, children learn at their own pace and follow their interests. Nature inspires problem-solving, creativity, and imagination, while also supporting early scientific understanding as children notice changes in seasons, weather, and living things.
In line with our Montessori philosophy, children are encouraged to care for their environment, developing responsibility, patience, and a sense of belonging. Learning from nature at Footprints helps children build strong foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing, and a lasting connection with the world around them.
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Bens Wood
A short walk outside the premises takes us to Ben’s Wood, to which we have free access. Here the children can explore the woodland environment, play in mud and leaves, use sticks to play safely and watch the ducks, dragonflies and the occasional heron or deer. At the end of the summer the older children can pick blackberries and collect acorns, rose hips and crab apples for our classroom nature tables. Our forest school activities include den building, making nettle tea and using natural ingredients to make paints.
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