WINNER - Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries, Horsham, West Sussex
The endless potential for learning through play that the natural environment offers to young children is observed by 'nature kindergarten' provider Claire Warden.
The way a nursery is set up can profoundly influence the quality of children's experiences there.
Musical instruments can help children develop the sound recognition skills essential for reading, spelling and writing. Early years settings call the tune as they try out a few for Nicole Weinstein.
Children in one West Sussex school have been getting close to nature thanks to a creative project and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust free visits programme, says Jordan Chamberlain.
Outdoor provision for the early years is set to grow and flourish thanks to funding distributed through local authorities. Annie Davy reports.
In providing resources for playful learning we need to remember the process in which they will be used, not just the outcome at the end, says Anne O'Connor.
A 'monster' sighting at one nursery sparked a project looking at a range of themes.
The Outdoor Challenge will get you to think hard about your setting's outdoor provision, says Julie Mountain of Learning Through Landscapes.
The aims and principles that went into developing an innovative children's centre outdoor area are explained to Karen Faux. Photographs by Teri Pengilley at Woodlands Park Nursery.