Wildlife Long Term Outdoor Provision Planning
Develop purposeful outdoor learning with this Wildlife Long Term Outdoor Provision Planning for mixed Nursery and Reception. It is designed for children aged 3–5.
Explore wildlife, minibeasts, animals, habitats and the natural world through practical outdoor continuous provision. Encourage children to observe, investigate and ask questions about the living things around them.
Outdoor Provision Ideas
The planning covers key areas of outdoor provision, including:
- Sand and water
- Large construction and gross motor
- Open-ended resources and loose parts
- Mud kitchen
- Creative area
Each area includes suggested resources and enhancements. You will also find learning objectives, wildlife vocabulary, adult interactions, key questions and purposeful challenges to extend learning.
Explore Wildlife and Habitats
Encourage children to investigate familiar wildlife and explore different habitats. They can observe animal features, behaviours and life cycles.
Children can also explore what animals need to survive. Encourage them to think about how to care for living things and protect the natural environment.
Use practical experiences to build children’s knowledge of the world around them. Outdoor play provides opportunities to observe, compare, investigate and share ideas.
Nursery and Reception Challenges
The planning includes separate Nursery and Reception challenges across all seven areas of learning. This makes it easy to provide suitable support and challenge in mixed-age settings.
Nursery challenges support children aged 3–4 through practical experiences and adult interaction. Reception challenges extend learning through investigation, comparison, reasoning, recording and independent thinking.
Children can revisit ideas throughout the year and build on their knowledge and skills.
Ideal for Mixed Early Years Settings
This resource is ideal for Nursery and Reception teachers, Early Years practitioners, mixed-age classes and Early Years leaders.
Use the planning to support long-term planning and outdoor continuous provision. Add enhancements throughout the year and use the suggested interactions to extend children’s learning.
