As summer creeps around the corner, it's the ideal time to rethink your outdoor space. Whether you're leading a nursery class within a primary school or managing early years provision on a school site, school-based nursery funding offers a valuable opportunity to invest in your outdoor learning environment and create a lasting impact for children now and in the future.

Why Invest in Outdoor Provision with School-Based Nursery Funding?

Outdoor spaces are integral to children’s development. From physical development to imaginative play, nature exploration to quiet reflection, outdoor learning supports every area of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). With the right resources in place, your setting can offer children daily opportunities to learn, grow, and develop vital skills through active child-led play.

One of the most effective ways to use your funding is to invest in large-scale outdoor equipment. These aren’t just enhancements, they're long-term investments in pedagogically informed learning. A well-chosen climbing structure, outdoor classroom hub, or den-building zone can create more opportunities for movement, collaboration, creativity and exploration.

Outdoor Equipment that Supports EYFS Learning

At Cosy Direct, we know how important it is to get good value for money while delivering meaningful impact, without sacrificing on quality. That’s why we offer a wide selection of durable, sustainable, outdoor equipment designed for imaginative play, active learning, to spark curiosity and withstand the test of time (and weather!).

Take, for example, our popular outdoor dens and playhouses. From hideouts to stages and playhouses, these structures offer endless opportunities for storytelling, collaborative play, and quiet time. A particular favourite among school-based nurseries is the Forest Fern Peephole, a cosy, tactile den with built-in peepholes that promote curiosity and imaginative interaction. Whether children are transforming it into a woodland café, a spy headquarters, or a quiet reading nook, it quickly becomes a central feature of the outdoor space that works across many cohorts and in all seasons.

Create Inviting Outdoor Dens and Playhouses

For settings looking to add STEM thinking and open-ended play, our Deckciting Blocks – Pack of 25 is another fantastic option. These hardwearing, tactical wooden construction blocks allow children to build small world set ups, obstacle courses and more, developing motor skills, teamwork, and spatial awareness along the way. They're wonderfully open-ended, which means every day can bring a new adventure.

Make the Most of Your Funding

Not sure where to begin? Our friendly team at Cosy Direct is here to help. We can guide you through the options, suggest suitable pieces for your space, and help you make the most of your funding pot. So why wait? Use your school-based nursery funding to create an outdoor space that supports learning, joy, and a magical childhood.

Create an outdoor space that supports learning and joy. Browse our outdoor range today and explore more guidance on how to use your funding effectively.