Outdoor Play

Children love construction play. As they play, they are building a myriad of skills which feed into all areas of learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Construction play, however, should never be limited just to the EYFS - not only is it fun but can impact on learning linked to the National Curriculum. Please see links...

Are you a green-fingered garden lover, or more inclined to put your feet up on the deck? We’re a bit of both at Cosy, but we know well that getting out and growing things in the garden is such a wonderful activity. Benefits of gardening with little ones are varied, from observing change over time and the sensory fun that...

This outdoor box is ideal to explore Maths in the great outdoors. There are many ways of using this box and we are sure that children will come up with even more ideas. Simply use discs and sticks provided and encourage children to add natural treasures, such as stones, sticks, flowers, petals, acorns and more. This new Maths crate is...

Getting outdoors to explore nature is a vital part of early years education, and childhood as a whole. A well-planned learning environment, indoors and outside, is an important aspect of pedagogy. It can be as simple as grabbing your wellies and going on a bug hunt. Renowned educator Charlotte Mason shares that you should ‘never be indoors when you could...

The outdoor environment can hold tremendous value when it comes to inspiring mathematical play and learning.  There is a whole world of possibilities, free from the confines of the classroom.  In the outdoors, children have greater opportunity to play on a bigger, messier and noisier scale, making it a place where we can encourage future mathematicians. However, it’s important to...

Are you ready for the RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch? What activities have you got planned? We have a few ideas below. Did you know that we have lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 50 years, so it really is vital we do all we can to look after our birdlife (source: RSPB). Children love to...

Wonderful Wicker! Creating a natural, cosy classroom or setting can be so beneficial to the well-being of both children and staff alike. Adding wicker elements helps to break up the space, creating a more cosy, natural environment. From our cosy wicker pods and dens to a wicker archway - both can be staple pieces in creating a more natural space...

We know that some of you only have small outdoor spaces, whether that be at school, in a nursery or childcare setting, home garden, childminding or pack away group setting. Here we give multi-functional ideas for small outdoor spaces that are totally adaptable, multi-functional resource ideas for a range of activities. Shedlets Perfect for the space-hungry setting, to house all...

A inspiring selection of all the wonderful sustainable Cosy Green, upcycled and recycled Christmas and festive activity ideas. From activities and crafts using upcycled cardboard boxes, egg boxes, clippings from the tree, wooden pallets and cable drums. Check out all these wonderful Recycled and Green Christmas activity ideas from our Cosy Club members and Cosy Creatives. Christmas crafts - making...

We have collated all the fabulous Christmas activity ideas for children here in this post to inspire your festive play. If you want to get merry and bright, join in as much or as little as you like. A new activity theme for each new day, to help inspire some festive play! So if you need some Christmas cheer, the...