Business Details
Outdoor Preschool Learning in Nature in Birmingham
Sutton Outdoor Preschool is Birmingham's first fully outdoor preschool setting, established to provide high-quality care and education for children aged 2-5. Our approach combines adult-led and child-initiated activities within Sutton Park, a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve. We prioritise risk assessments, child-led learning, and alignment with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Our team of qualified educators fosters confidence, creativity, and environmental awareness through daily adventures and structured observations.We utilise a secure digital system for progress tracking, enabling parents to access real-time learning journals. With flexible attendance options and government-funded places available, we cater to diverse family needs while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and nature-based education.
Services
Outdoor Preschool Sessions
Risk Assessments
Learning Journals
Adventure Activities
Child-Led Learning
EYFS Curriculum
Flexible Attendance
Digital Progress Tracking
Nature Exploration
Sustainability Education
Highlights and features
- We offer nature-based learning in a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve.
- Our team includes Early Years Teachers and Forest School Leaders.
- We provide flexible attendance options with no minimum day requirement.
- Digital learning journals enable real-time parental access to child progress.
- OFSTED-registered setting following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
Services
Outdoor Preschool Sessions
Our outdoor preschool sessions utilise Sutton Park's natural environment to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Children engage in supervised play, risk assessments, and structured activities that promote physical development, creativity, and environmental awareness. Sessions run daily during Birmingham term time.
Learning Journals
We maintain digital learning journals using an encrypted online system. These journals document daily activities, developmental milestones, and child-led achievements. Parents receive real-time updates and can contribute their own observations to support continuous learning.
Adventure Activities
Daily adventures within Sutton Park allow children to explore diverse habitats. Activities include den-building, nature observation, and seasonal exploration. These experiences foster curiosity, teamwork, and physical coordination through hands-on environmental engagement.
Risk Assessments
Before each session, staff conduct comprehensive risk assessments of the outdoor environment. Children participate in safety walks to identify potential hazards. This approach balances safety with opportunities for calculated risk-taking to develop problem-solving skills.
Flexible Attendance
We offer flexible attendance options with no minimum day requirement. Children can attend full-time or part-time, allowing families to combine our outdoor preschool with other educational settings based on individual needs.
People
Liz
Founder & Preschool Manager
Liz is an Early Years Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead with extensive experience in outdoor education. She established Sutton Outdoor Preschool to pioneer nature-based learning in Birmingham.
John
Founder & Preschool Deputy
John, a Forest School Leader and First Aider, co-founded Sutton Outdoor Preschool. He specialises in outdoor safety protocols and supports children's physical development through adventurous play.
Claire
Early Years Educator
Claire leads behaviour management initiatives at Sutton Outdoor Preschool. As an Early Years Educator and First Aider, she focuses on social-emotional development through nature-based activities.
Ben
Early Years Educator
Ben serves as SENco/SENDCo at Sutton Outdoor Preschool. He adapts outdoor learning experiences for children with special educational needs, ensuring inclusive access to nature-based education.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children aged 2-5 years old for our outdoor preschool sessions in Sutton Park.
How does your curriculum align with educational standards?
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through outdoor learning activities and structured observations.
What are your fees?
Our fees include a £100 registration fee and £45 daily sessions. Government-funded places are available for eligible children.
How do you handle safety?
We conduct daily risk assessments and safety sweeps. Children participate in safety walks to identify and manage potential hazards.
What happens during a typical day?
A typical day includes child-led play, structured activities, snack time, lunch, daily adventures in Sutton Park, and reflection sessions.
Do you offer flexible attendance?
Yes, we have no minimum day requirement. Children can attend full-time or part-time as needed.
