At The Old Station Nursery, we know that some of the biggest learning moments begin with the smallest discoveries. Planting a seed, spotting a minibeast or noticing the changing seasons can spark questions and new interests, helping children make sense of the wonderful world around them.
Through Wonderful World, part of our All Aboard Approach, we encourage children to follow their curiosity, ask questions and learn more about nature, the environment and the places around them.
Exploring the world is about so much more than getting outside. Watching a plant grow or stopping to investigate something tiny in the garden might seem like a small moment, but it can lead to questions, new skills and growing confidence.
Whether they’re investigating the smallest insects, watching flowers grow or splashing through puddles, children are learning through real experiences, often without even realising it.
A sprouting seed or a tiny insect can spark all sorts of questions, encouraging children to look more closely and find out more.
Talking about what they see, hear and experience helps children develop new vocabulary, share ideas and express their thoughts.
Trying something new, making choices and solving simple problems gives children a growing sense of independence and achievement.
Digging, planting, collecting leaves and exploring different outdoor spaces help children develop co-ordination, balance and fine motor skills.
Discovering plants, wildlife, weather and the changing seasons helps children begin to understand how the natural world works.
Watering plants and looking after shared spaces give children simple, meaningful ways to learn about caring for their environment.
Children are naturally curious. A fallen leaf, a puddle or a tiny seed can spark questions, conversations and a whole new interest.
A little digging in the garden or planting a few seeds can lead to all sorts of questions. We encourage children to try things out, follow their interests and see what happens.
The natural world is full of opportunities to learn.
Through Wonderful World, children are encouraged to notice the little things, ask questions and explore their surroundings. Investigating leaves, flowers, birds and minibeasts can spark new interests and encourage children to look more closely.
Every child’s journey is full of exciting discoveries, new friendships and wonderful opportunities to grow. At our nurseries, we create inspiring environments where little ones can explore their curiosity, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Enter your postcode to find your nearest nursery and discover the wonderful world of opportunities waiting for your little one.
Caring for our planet starts with small, everyday actions.
Planting seeds, watering flowers, reusing materials and learning about recycling help children understand why caring for our environment matters. These simple activities show children how even small actions can make a difference.
Through these simple activities, children begin to see how their own actions can help look after our planet.
Our wonderful world is about more than plants, animals and the environment. It’s also about the places and communities around us.
Visiting familiar places and taking part in local activities helps children get to know their community and understand their place within it.
These experiences help children build confidence, develop new interests and discover how they can help care for the places around them.
There’s so much for children to discover in the world around them, and plenty of simple ways for families to continue exploring together.
Discover simple ways to help children care for nature, with ideas for planting, helping wildlife, recycling and exploring the changing seasons.
The benefits of outdoor exploration for toddlers and pre-school children
Discover how outdoor exploration supports children’s curiosity, confidence and development, with simple nature activities to enjoy together.
Wonderful World is part of our All Aboard Approach to learning. Through Nature Explorers, Planet Protectors and My Community and Me, children have opportunities to discover their surroundings, explore the natural world and learn how to care for their environment and community.
Exploring nature gives children opportunities to investigate, ask questions, move, communicate and solve problems. Planting seeds, watching wildlife and noticing the changing seasons can all support children’s confidence, physical development, language and Understanding the World within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Activities vary between nurseries but might include planting seeds, observing wildlife, noticing the changing seasons, recycling and reusing materials. These experiences help children learn why looking after their environment matters.
Not at all. Nature can be discovered in gardens, parks, local green spaces and even small outdoor areas. Children can learn by observing plants, insects, weather and the changing seasons, wherever they are.
Start with simple activities such as growing a plant, watching birds, reusing materials for play or noticing changes in the seasons. Giving children opportunities to explore nature and take part in small caring actions can help them develop an appreciation of the world around them.