Outdoors
Exploring the wild with KC enables children to develop the skills that they need to thrive and adapt, whatever their future holds. Here are just some of the ways that children benefit from our time in the wild.
Why we are wild
Unlike classrooms or playgrounds, nature is ever changing with the seasons and weather. Our activities in the wild stimulate imagination, creativity, adventure, physicality, open ended active learning through play, collaborating, thinking critically and problem solving.
Nurturing wellbeing
In 2023, around one in five UK school aged children had a mental health problem. Today’s children spend too much time in artificial, structured environments and on screens. Experts are calling for active outdoor play to be prioritised, and more time spent in nature to boost wellbeing.
Strengthening health
Time in nature is calming, it has the same effect on ADHD as Ritalin. Bacterium vacae in mud increases serotonin levels. Fresh air helps to support immunity, brain development and is beneficial to children with asthma.
Building resilience
Unpredictable outcomes, such as the den children have built falling down and needing to be rebuilt in a different way, build resilience for life’s bigger challenges and unpredictable events.
Boosting belonging
Becoming attached to their local natural area gives children a sense of belonging and love of the natural world. Most importantly we have seen for ourselves how happy time in the wild makes the children.
Research findings
Research shows that every day contact with nature improves children’s long term physical and mental health. It reduces anxiety and depression, whilst improving engagement with learning, cognitive development, wellbeing, fitness, immunity, resilience, self-esteem, happiness, confidence and the ability to engage socially.
Doing the right thing
Spending so much time in nature the children naturally want to protect it. Working towards becoming carbon neutral, we make sustainable choices wherever possible.
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Planting Wild Flowers
As part of the Wildlife Trust’s 30 days wild challenge, we plant wild flowers to provide more food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
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Recycling
Using all resources such as water and energy wisely, and repurposing, reducing, reusing, and recycling.
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Litter Picking
Litter picking to protect our local wild space, and supporting Lets Tidy Trafford Together and Litter Heroes.
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Local Sourcing
Using local suppliers and growing our own where possible to reduce food miles and packaging, and support local businesses. For example our meat is sourced from Taylor’s of Sale.
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Sustainable Transport
Walking or using public transport whenever possible.
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Paper Free
Utilising technology, such as projectors, iPads, parent apps and online brochures to be paper free where possible.
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Vegan Options
Our menus feature vegan options.
