How Outdoor Spaces Can Transform Children’s Learning, Play, and Wellbeing

Many people assume learning stops the moment children step outside, but nothing could be further from the truth. Outdoor learning is more than just a break from the classroom. It is an essential part of children’s development, wellbeing, and enjoyment. As more schools, nurseries, and childcare providers recognise the value of outdoor education, research continues to highlight how outdoor play enhances cognitive development, physical health, communication skills, and emotional wellbeing. Hear first hand how one Kent school transformed their oudoor learning area and the new opportunities it opened for them.

At Hemsley House Nursery in Maidstone, Everyday Play has shown how carefully designed outdoor spaces can make a real difference in how children explore, learn, and play.

The nursery wanted to enhance its outdoor areas to be safer, more inviting, and usable all year round. Everyday Play worked closely with staff to redesign the space, adding soft, impact-absorbing surfaces, shaded areas, and interactive features that encourage imaginative, active, and sensory play. The transformation has created an environment where children feel inspired, confident, and excited to explore, and families have a welcoming place where children can play safely regardless of the weather.

Celia Kelly, Digital Marketing Manager at Everyday Play, explains that outdoor areas support many different types of play. Creative role play, building dens, climbing, balancing, and sensory activities all contribute to children’s development, confidence, and happiness.

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Outdoor Learning and Its Impact on Children

Research consistently shows that outdoor play has a positive effect on children’s learning and development. In the early years, outdoor spaces support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum by providing hands-on opportunities for children to develop counting, sorting, and problem-solving skills. Children can explore nature to learn about patterns, shapes, and sequences, or measure and compare items in sensory play areas. Outdoor play also strengthens communication, social skills, and confidence, which are essential foundations for later learning.

For older children, outdoor learning continues to support development in more advanced areas. Physical activities improve agility, balance, and coordination, which have been linked to better focus and concentration in the classroom. Outdoor playground equipment and cooperative games build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Creative areas, reading dens, and spaces for scientific exploration encourage curiosity, imagination, and independent thinking. Research has shown that children who spend regular time outdoors are often more engaged in classroom tasks, have better attention spans, and display higher levels of motivation and resilience.

Connection to nature also supports emotional wellbeing. Children who spend time outside tend to be calmer, more confident, and more willing to take risks in safe ways. This emotional development is closely linked to cognitive development, making outdoor play a powerful tool for learning in all areas.

Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Everyday Play

Everyday Play works with nurseries, primary schools, and other educational settings to transform outdoor spaces into environments that encourage learning, creativity, and wellbeing. They provide non-slip surfacing to make areas safe and accessible, shelters and outdoor classrooms for year-round use, and play equipment that develops physical skills. Reading dens, sensory areas, and trim trails encourage imaginative play, focus, and problem-solving.
Thoughtful outdoor design allows children to explore concepts from the curriculum in practical ways. Early years children can learn numbers, shapes, and language skills through play, while older children can practice scientific observation, teamwork, strategic thinking, and creative expression. Every outdoor space becomes a learning hub where children can grow, develop, and enjoy being active.

By investing in outdoor learning spaces, schools and nurseries can create environments that support every aspect of a child’s development. Children are free to explore, move, and engage with the world around them, turning everyday playtime into an enriching and joyful learning experience.
For more information on how Everyday Play can transform outdoor spaces and support children’s learning and wellbeing with new playground equipment, visit www.everyday-play.co.uk.

About Everyday Play

Based in Biddenden, Kent, Everyday Play is a family-run business led by two lifelong friends, Luke and Lewis. With a shared passion for play, they create inspiring, safe, and high-quality outdoor playgrounds across Kent and the South East. Every playground is designed, built, and installed by their in-house team - with no outsourcing - ensuring full quality control and personal attention from start to finish

If you are interested in outdoor learning, find out the Top 5 Benefits of Outdoor Learning and 3 Ways Parents Can Promote Outdoor Learning in Schools. If you are a teacher looking for advice on integrating outdoor learning into your classroom read Unlocking the Power of Outdoor Learning: Benefits and Practical Tips for Teachers