A new nationwide study from leading nursery group, Kids Planet Day Nurseries, has revealed a quarter of nursery-school parents wish their children spent more time outdoors. Less than a quarter (24%) of under 5’s are spending time learning outdoors at home each day, contrary to the NHS’s recommended time for preschoolers of three hours every day, and one in six think their child doesn’t spend enough time outdoors at all.

The survey conducted by Kids Planet of nursery school parents aged 0-5 years old investigated how often children are learning from outdoor activities across the country, how it effects their mood, and from which types of activities. The NHS recommends ‘Pre-schoolers should spend at least 180 minutes (three hours) a day doing a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day, including active and outdoor play. The more the better…. Once babies can move around, encourage them to be as active as possible in a safe and supervised play environment.’

As a leading provider of early years education, Kids Planet understands the importance of outdoor learning and makes it a part of the everyday curriculum. By highlighting these findings, Kids Planet seeks to encourage families to get so much more from their time spent outdoors.

The effect on wellbeing

Of the parents surveyed, almost two thirds (64%) said spending time outdoors has a positive effect on their children’s wellbeing. This in turn can support their emotional and psychological development. What’s more, 41% said spending time learning outdoors has created a closer family connection for them. Engaging in outdoor activities as a family not only means spending more quality time together, but also creates lasting memories and encourages a shared appreciation for the natural environment.

They also state outdoor activities are important for a child’s development (86%), improve physical health (72%) and foster a connection with nature (70%).

Rhiannon Mountain, head of outdoor learning at Kids Planet has brought the Scandinavian outdoor-learning approach of Udeskole to the nursery group, leading its forest school inspired initiative. Rhiannon commented on the findings: “At Kids Planet, we value outdoor learning at all of our nurseries across the country and believe it’s integral for early years development. The lack of engaged outdoor learning time children under five are getting is a challenge we are embracing; we have 26 accredited Udeskole nurseries and this number is growing each year, with the end of this year set to be 60 nurseries embracing nature-based play.

“There are some easy ways that families can enjoy time outside with their young ones, whilst engaging in educational activities. Something as simple as collecting sticks for craft projects, naming and tracking animals, or counting different coloured flowers.”

The survey also showed that more than half (51%) of parents believe outdoor learning is beneficial for enhancing social skills, a key competency for children entering primary school to help them make friends. Outdoor activities encourage children to collaborate, communicate, and build relationships, which are essential for social development.

As part of their So Much More campaign, Kids Planet are creating a number of resources for families to engage in outdoor learning with their children throughout the summer holidays. Kids Planet open days will be held in September for families to see in-person the unique approach of early years education the nurseries provide.

*Partner content