BUDS Outdoor Play
Meet
Nat
Founder of BUDS Outdoor Play and Forest School, creating nature-inspired play spaces and learning experiences for little explorers. As a mum of two and an experienced primary school teacher, I’ve seen first-hand the magic of outdoor play and the joy, awe and wonder it can bring.
I have inspired little minds since 2017, teaching at an outstanding all-through school in Northamptonshire. An EYFS Specialist, spending School sessions at various locations across the county, offering primary-aged children the chance to build confidence, resilience and a love for the great outdoors.
I am a qualified Forest School practitioner and EYFS Specialist, deeply inspired by Anna Ephygrave’s child-led approach and the Reggio Emilia philosophy. I believe children thrive when empowered to lead their own play, explore freely and follow their curiosities.
About BUDS
Through carefully curated outdoor experiences, children are empowered to lead their own exploration, and grow with confidence, resilience, and curiosity by fostering a deep, lasting connection to nature. Children
most of my teaching career in Foundation Stage 2, I have a genuine interest in the pedagogy of play. I am deeply inspired by Anna Ephgrave’s child-led approach and the Reggio Emilia philosophy. I believe children thrive when they are empowered to lead their own play, explore freely and follow their curiosities.
After navigating the challenges of the global pandemic — where children were confined to learning behind screens — I felt a pull to reconnect children with the outdoors. In 2022, I trained as a Forest School leader with the Everdon School Network, blending my teaching expertise with my love for nature. I worked hard to set up a dedicated on-site Forest School, develop the outdoor EYFS and KS1 play area and raise the profile of outdoor learning across the primary phase.
I am really looking forward to bringing a unique outdoor Stay & Play experience to Northamptonshire. Sessions will run from BUDS @ Brampton HQ and will primarily run as stay & play sessions for under 5’s. I also aim to run Forest thrive through child-led play, exploration, and discovery — nurturing their emotional, physical, and social well-being in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment. The ultimate goal, is to play a tiny role in shaping your child as a person and help understand the world around them.
“Not all classrooms have four walls”
Little
BUDS@Brampton
Info about Brampton Grange and BUDS HQ outdoor stay and play for under 5’s, wiggly boxes you have made in this part (physical development, cognitive etc), , what sessions involve, ‘Bookwhen’ booking page.
Physical development
Encourages large muscle development through running, climbing, jumping, and improves coordination and fine motor skills through manipulation of natural objects.
Cognitive development
Provides opportunities for sensory exploration through sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, stimulating curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Social and emotional development
Facilitates cooperation, sharing, taking turns, and building positive relationships with peers through collaborative play.
Mental well-being
Exposure to fresh air and natural environments can improve mood, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm.
Creativity and imagination
Offers diverse natural elements like trees, rocks, and water to spark imaginative play and storytelling.
Environmental awareness
Fosters an appreciation for nature and the environment by exploring plants, animals, and different weather conditions.
Risk management
Allows children to assess and manage risks in a safe environment, building confidence and resilience.
Self-esteem and independence
Provides opportunities for children to take initiative, explore independently, and achieve personal goals.
BUDS Forest School
Community Forest School sessions (tree infographic you have added in this part, I will add to and adapt the benefits of forest school you have created)
The Benefits of Forest School
Outdoor play in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides numerous benefits for children, including boosting physical development, enhancing cognitive skills, promoting social interaction, fostering creativity, improving mental well-being, and building a connection with nature by allowing them to explore different textures, surfaces, and environments in a stimulating way; all while developing their confidence and risk-assessment abilities through natural challenges.
Allows children to assess and manage risks in a safe environment, building confidence and resilience.
Fosters an appreciation for nature and the environment by exploring plants, animals, and different weather conditions.
Variety of spaces
Including different textures like grass, sand, gravel, water features, and climbing structures.
Important aspects of outdoor play in EYFS
Natural materials
Providing access to leaves, sticks, stones, and other natural elements to encourage exploration.
Weather appropriate clothing
Ensuring children are dressed appropriately for all weather conditions to fully engage with the outdoors.
Adult supervision
Providing guidance and support while allowing children to take calculated risks and explore independently.
