Outdoor - Posts - Early Years Resources

15 Ways to Use Upcycled Crates in Outdoor Play

Posted by EYR Team on 30th Jun 2025

Outdoor learning has been widely acknowledged as a crucial element within early years' development. It not only refreshes a child's learning environment, but it provides them with a space to explor … read more

10 Sand & Water Activities for Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 9th Jun 2025

There's no better time to get outside and enjoy some sand and water activities than when the sun is shining in the summer! Children naturally love to explore and investigate – and sand and wa … read more

7 Outdoor Loose Parts Play Activity Ideas and Benefits

Posted by EYR Team on 12th May 2025

In this blog we will be delving into outdoor loose parts play, discussing the value and benefits and sharing 7 of our favourite ways to use loose parts outside. Read on for activity inspiration to tr … read more

Outdoor Classroom Ideas: 10 Ways to Support KS1 Learning Outside

Posted by EYR Team on 28th Apr 2025

We all know the benefits that outdoor learning can have on a child’s development, but often, coming up with outdoor classroom ideas can be a bit of a struggle. In this blog we share 10 suggestio … read more

8 Outdoor Tuff Tray Ideas

Posted by EYR Team on 21st Apr 2025

We all know about the importance of getting outside. However, it can be difficult to think of new and exciting activities that keep little ones engaged without using a lot of costly resources. In th … read more

What is Outdoor Learning?

Posted by EYR Team on 14th Apr 2025

Outdoor learning in primary schools is defined as an educational approach that takes learning beyond the confines of a traditional classroom and into a natural environment. It offers children hands-o … read more

5 Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 31st Mar 2025

The benefits of outdoor learning are endless. Being outside allows children to express themselves freely. Unlike an indoor classroom, there aren’t space constraints, meaning childre … read more

Outdoor Learning Benefits for Early Years - an Expert's Perspective

Posted by EYR Team on 14th Oct 2024

This article has been written by early years consultant, Anne Rodgers, from ATR Consultancy. Anne has 36 years’ experience of working in the childcare and education sector. This includes traini … read more

7 Playground Games to Encourage Physical Activity in Children

Posted by EYR Team on 7th Oct 2024

Children don't have long break times, usually between 20-30 minutes. So how can they be encouraged to use this time to do something active? We've put together a list of traditional and engaging playg … read more

What Makes a Good Outdoor Learning Environment?

Posted by EYR Team on 23rd Sep 2024

This blog has been written by Samantha Aumonier, Level 3 Forest School Leader, EYR Brand Ambassador and advocate for outdoor learning and play. To learn more about Samantha, head over to her Instagra … read more

20 Outdoor Art Ideas for Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 20th May 2024

Rain or shine, the opportunity to create outdoor art is always at our fingertips and offers a whole host of benefits for children's mental well-being and creativity. In this blog, we share … read more

20 Nature Activities for Toddlers

Posted by EYR Team on 6th May 2024

If you're looking for nature activities for toddlers and early years, you've come to the right place! As technology usage has increased in our lives and in the lives of our children, it can … read more

Top 30 EYFS Outdoor Activities

Posted by EYR Team on 22nd Apr 2024

As we approach summer and the weather becomes warmer, you might start to hear, “Can we have class outside today?” more and more often. However we can appreciate that it can be difficult t … read more

9 Outdoor Classroom Ideas for Preschoolers

Posted by EYR Team on 8th Apr 2024

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global movement to inspire and celebrate outdoor learning and play. It is more than simply moving your traditional classroom lessons outdoors but instead learning from the … read more

Your Essential Checklist for Outdoor Learning & Play

Posted by EYR Team on 26th Sep 2022

Outdoor learning can be whatever you make of it. You can use a lot of resources or a little, purchased products or nature’s finds. It can be shaped in any which way you want but still offers th … read more

Introducing a Relaxed Forest School: Why all Play Matters

Posted by EYR Team on 19th Sep 2022

What is Forest School? Forest School has become a rapidly expanding pedagogy since being first introduced in the early 90s. It has a strong focus on the importance of child-led play and holi … read more

EYFS Pirate Activities: 5 Easy Outdoor Play Ideas

Posted by EYR Team on 13th Jun 2022

A-Hoy me hearties! Looking for some new Pirate activities for your little ones to get hooked on? This blog brings you a treasure trove of EYFS pirate activities & ideas using simple outdoor loose … read more

15 Ways to Use Tyres in Outdoor Play

Posted by EYR Team on 23rd May 2022

Tyres are a fantastically versatile and upcycled resource that can be used in a variety of different ways. Naturally weatherproof and tough, they are a great option to use outdoors with your little o … read more

5 upcycling ideas for your garden

Posted by EYR Team on 19th Apr 2022

Many people think that gardening is expensive, and requires a lot of time and effort to maintain. But it doesn't have to be. The truth is that you don't need loads of money to start gardening. By com … read more

Welcome to our Office Garden!

Posted by EYR Team on 28th Mar 2022

With National Gardening Week just around the corner we wanted to shine a spotlight on our very own office garden and give you a tour! Tucked away in a retail park in Stretford, Greater Manch … read more

How to make a minibeast hotel

Posted by EYR Team on 8th Mar 2022

What is a minibeast? A minibeast, creepy crawlies, insects and bugs are quite literally a small animal. They are defined as “invertebrates” which means that they don& … read more

Ideas On How to Take Learning Outdoors

Posted by EYR Team on 7th May 2021

This blog has been written with the help of industry expert and early years teacher Gemma Unsworth. Gemma's 18 years' of teaching experience include roles as KS1 manager and early years s … read more

Learning all about the Forest School Approach to Learning

Posted by EYR Team on 14th Apr 2021

This article has been written by Rachel Macbeth-Webb. Rachel is a level 3 Forest trained practitioner, co-founder and manager of Beatle Woods, an Outstanding Ofsted setting and the first … read more

How to Take Maths Outdoors: Tips and Tricks!

Posted by EYR Team on 18th Sep 2020

During these unprecedented times we are always looking at ways in which we can adapt and switch up the environment we work in. Now more than ever we are looking for new ways that children can learn n … read more

Outdoor Winter Activities for Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 5th Dec 2019

The winter weather might be frightful...but it’s time to grab your winter warmers and head outside for some fun outdoor winter activities with the kids. Don’t let the brisk winte … read more

How to Take Storytime Back to Nature

Posted by EYR Team on 30th Sep 2019

This article has been written by storytelling specialists, Tonya and Natasha, from Little Creative Days It’s great to be able to make the most of the summer weather! Children lov … read more

Sensory Gardens In Schools: How To Create One

Posted by EYR Team on 2nd Sep 2019

Here at Early Years Resources, we are firm believers in the idea that children learn more when all of their senses are fully engaged. Nicky Roeber, from Wyevale Garden Centres, discusses … read more

Gardening Benefits and Activity Ideas for Children in Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 27th May 2019

Being outdoors and the impact on children's wellbeing Encouraging children to put down the smartphone and spend time outside can seem like a daunting task. At present, children on average on … read more

Outdoor Activities for Physical Development in Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 13th May 2019

The Importance of Physical Activity and Outdoor Play Don’t underestimate the importance of physical development! It's important for children to remain activ … read more

Top 10 Activity Ideas for Den Play and Den Building

Posted by EYR Team on 6th May 2019

A den is a child's chance to crate a home away from home that is secret, and becomes a manifestation of who they are David Sopel Who didn’t build a homemade fort out of bed sheets whe … read more

Making the most of your Outdoor Playground

Posted by EYR Team on 29th Apr 2019

Are you making the most of your school's playground area? With the continuing rise of technology, it is even more important to balance indoor play with outdoor play. Nowadays, children are spending o … read more

Maximising Your Outdoor Learning Space - a Childminder's Perspective

Posted by EYR Team on 22nd Apr 2019

This article has been written by OFSTED ‘Outstanding’ Childminders, Chloe Webster & Bridgit Brown, from Pebbles Childcare.In this blog they share their experiences with ha … read more

The Benefits of Play Kitchens for Children

Posted by EYR Team on 4th Mar 2019

Let’s rustle up some deliciously mouth-watering imaginary feasts! What are the benefits of Play Kitchens for Children? Well, Children love playing different roles and scenarios in imag … read more

The Essential Outdoor Resources Checklist For Childminders

Posted by EYR Team on 28th Jan 2019

It's time to get outside! Do you have a dedicated outdoor space for children in your childcare setting? There is no set way of creating an outdoor childminding area – but it is importa … read more

How to Create Outdoor Spaces for Babies and Toddlers

Posted by EYR Team on 22nd Oct 2018

This blog post has been written by Jeanette Morris our in-house Early Years Specialist. Jeanette has over 33 years of teaching experience and a real passion for Early Years Education. Here we discuss … read more

9 Amazing Outdoor Rainy Day Activities

Posted by EYR Team on 24th Sep 2018

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, and snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." John Ruskin 1819-1900. … read more

How Football Can Help In A Child’s Development

Posted by EYR Team on 17th Sep 2018

Invented in the 1860’s, it’s one of the most popular team sports played around the world. It is also one which doesn’t make exclusions. Anybody of any age can pull on their boots an … read more

Unearthing the Benefits of Gardening for Young Children

Posted by EYR Team on 27th Aug 2018

Like most sensory experiences, gardening with children can be a hectic, messy and usually, untidy affair! Children playing with soil, pulling up plants and strewing seeds everywhere however, is a fan … read more

Benefits of an Outdoor Mud Kitchen in the Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 13th Aug 2018

"Mud, Mud Glorious Mud!" Outdoor provision in the early years is always high on every practitioner’s agenda. Over the years more focus has been put towards implementing outdoor learnin … read more

How to create a sustainable Garden in Small Spaces

Posted by EYR Team on 2nd Jul 2018

This article has been written by Anne Gunning, North West Regional Schools Advisor for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. In this blog we discuss ways in which you can create a sustainable garden … read more

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