Nature-Based Learning | Little Mowgli Nursery
At Little Mowgli, our nature-based learning programme immerses children aged 0–5 in jungle-inspired, outdoor, and nature-integrated experiences that spark curiosity and foster holistic development. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant, exploratory spirit of a jungle, we create opportunities for children to connect with the natural world through hands-on activities. This page highlights our unique approach and the benefits of learning in the great outdoors, showcasing how our jungle-themed environment nurtures young minds.
What is Nature-Based Learning?
Nature-based learning is an educational approach that integrates the natural environment into the learning process, encouraging children to explore, play, and discover outdoors. At Little Mowgli, we embrace this philosophy by transforming our spaces into a jungle-like wonderland where children can engage with nature daily. Making the most of the natural resources at our disposal, our environment is designed to evoke the magic of a jungle, inspiring awe and adventure.
This approach goes beyond simply playing outside; it involves intentional activities that promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Children learn by interacting with natural elements—touching leaves, observing insects, or splashing in water. These experiences foster a deep connection to the environment, encouraging environmental stewardship from an early age. At Little Mowgli, nature-based learning is woven into our curriculum, aligning with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to ensure a balanced, enriching experience.
Our jungle-inspired theme sets us apart. We incorporate storytelling, music, and imaginative play that transport children to a world of wild animals and lush forests.
Whether they’re pretending to be explorers on a jungle trek or planting seeds in our garden, children at Little Mowgli develop a love for learning through the lens of nature.
Benefits of Outdoor Play and Exploration
Outdoor play and exploration are at the heart of our nature-based learning programme, offering a wealth of benefits for young children. Research shows that time spent in nature enhances physical health, mental wellbeing, and cognitive development, making it a cornerstone of our approach at Little Mowgli.
Physically, outdoor play promotes strength, coordination, and overall fitness. Running through open spaces, climbing, or digging in the soil helps children develop gross and fine motor skills. These activities also encourage healthy habits, as fresh air and sunlight boost immunity and energy levels.
Socially, outdoor environments foster collaboration and communication. Group activities like building a den or sharing tools in the mud kitchen teach children to negotiate, share, and work as a team. The open-ended nature of outdoor play allows children to express themselves freely, building confidence and social bonds.
Emotionally, nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience. At Little Mowgli, children find joy in simple moments—like watching a ladybird crawl or feeling the texture of mud—fostering mindfulness and a sense of wonder. These experiences help children regulate emotions and develop a positive relationship with the world around them.
Cognitively, outdoor exploration stimulates curiosity and problem-solving. Investigating natural phenomena, such as why leaves fall or how water flows, encourages critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The ever-changing outdoor environment provides endless opportunities for children to ask questions, experiment, and learn through discovery.
By prioritising outdoor play, we nurture well-rounded children who are physically active, socially adept, emotionally balanced, and intellectually curious.
Forest School Elements
At Little Mowgli, we incorporate elements of Forest School, a nature-based educational approach that emphasises child-led learning in woodland settings. While our programme is not a formal Forest School, we adopt its core principles to enhance our jungle-inspired outdoor learning.
Forest School-inspired activities at Little Mowgli focus on fostering independence, resilience, and a connection to nature. These might include building dens, creating art with natural materials, or observing seasonal changes in the environment. Such activities encourage risk-taking in a safe setting, helping children develop confidence and problem-solving skills.
We also embrace the Forest School ethos of child-initiated learning. Our staff are trained to balance freedom with guidance, ensuring that every child feels supported while exploring at their own pace.
These Forest School elements complement our jungle theme, creating a rich, immersive experience that feels like an adventure in the wild.
Overview of EYFS Framework
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a UK-wide framework that sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. It provides a structured yet flexible approach to early education, ensuring that children receive high-quality care and learning experiences that promote their growth.
The EYFS is built around seven key areas of learning and development, divided into prime and specific areas. The three prime areas are:
Developing listening, understanding, and speaking skills.
Encouraging movement, coordination, and healthy habits.
Building self-confidence, relationships, and emotional resilience.
Introducing early reading and writing skills.
Exploring numbers, shapes, and problem-solving.
Discovering people, communities, and the environment.
Fostering creativity through art, music, and imaginative play.
The EYFS framework emphasises a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities, with play at its core. It also highlights the importance of ongoing observation and assessment to track progress and tailor support to each child’s needs.
At Little Mowgli, we embrace the EYFS as a guiding principle, ensuring that every activity aligns with its standards while remaining engaging and fun.
Activities: Gardening, Bug Hunts, Mud Kitchen, Water Play
Our nature-based learning programme is brought to life through a variety of hands-on activities designed to engage young learners. Below are some of the key activities we offer at Little Mowgli:
Gardening: Children plant seeds, water flowers, and harvest vegetables in our nursery garden. Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and an understanding of life cycles. Digging in the soil also strengthens fine motor skills, while discussions about plant growth spark cognitive development.
Mud Kitchen: Our mud kitchen is a hub of creativity, where children mix, stir, and sculpt with mud, water, and natural materials. This sensory play promotes imaginative role-play, such as “cooking” jungle feasts, while developing fine motor skills and collaboration. The tactile nature of mud also has a calming, grounding effect.
Water Play: From splashing in puddles to experimenting with floating objects, water play is a favourite at Little Mowgli. Children explore concepts like volume and buoyancy, engaging their cognitive skills. Water play also encourages social interaction, as children share tools and work together to create waterfalls or streams.
These activities are carefully planned to align with our jungle theme and the EYFS framework. Our outdoor spaces are equipped with natural resources—logs, stones, and plants—that inspire open-ended play, allowing children to invent their own games and stories.
We also ensure inclusivity in our activities, adapting them to suit children of varying ages and abilities. For infants, water play might involve gentle splashing, while preschoolers might design complex water channels. Our low staff-to-child ratios enable educators to provide personalised support, ensuring every child can participate fully.
By embracing nature-based learning, Little Mowgli offers a unique, jungle-inspired approach that nurtures creativity, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the environment. Our outdoor activities not only support physical and cognitive growth but also instil a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
For more information about our Nature-Based Learning programme, visit www.littlemowgli.com or contact our team today.
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Real Reviews, Real Experiences
My two children aged 4 and 2 have settled in perfectly, they really have enjoyed attending. They both come home telling me all about the activities they have done that day. The smooth transition by the staff with settling in days at the nursery put me at ease and now they both attend two full days a week.
My 3-year-old recently started attending, and the transition has been smooth and reassuring. The staff are friendly and attentive. It’s been lovely to see my little one settle in so quickly and happily. Highly recommend to any parents looking for a safe, nurturing environment
My little brother has just started nursery and we was soo worried on how he would settle in but honestly he has loved every minute of being at nursery and always has a lot to tell us upon returning home I would highly recommend mowgli nursery
My nephew has recently joined the nursery and he has settled in so well he absolutely loves the team who look after him he’s always asking to go to nursery soo that’s a change keep up the good work Mowgli nursery and thankyou for being so welcoming and being courteous to our cultural needs
Brilliant nursery, my Niece and Nephew absolutely love coming here! Staff are so welcoming and nurturing and they have plenty of activities for the children throughout the day. Would recommend to others looking for a homely, safe setting to send their little ones!
I recently had a look around the nursery with a view to putting my x2 children in with me only working around the corner.
To say how pleasantly surprised i was with there facilities and organisation is a understatement, The children are booked in for the start of July, Im Really looking forward to seeing them develop here.
Such an amazing nursery with great access to the outdoor area. The children are made wonderfully healthy food with caring staff around them. The children even get access into Jungle World playarea, which is a highlight for them all. Would definitely recommend.
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Little Mowgli Nursery welcomes children from across Leyland and nearby areas such as
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