The Rise of the Outdoor Classroom: Kids Planet expands with Tipi structures at nine of their nurseries.
Outdoor learning is rapidly becoming a defining feature of Early Years education across the UK, with nursery group Kids Planet leading the way by investing in Tipi Outdoor Classrooms to support all-weather outdoor provision.
Kids Planet, which operates more than 260 nursery settings nationwide, have been expanding their outdoors education settings by installing our tipis on some of their key sites alongside composting toilets from WooWoo Waterless; this outdoor classroom initiative works to improve wellbeing, build resilience and strengthen childrens' connection to nature. With nine of their sites already fitted with our Tipis, the new scheme looks set to continue, due to the bold vision of Rhiannon Mountain, Head of Outdoor Learning.
Rhiannon believes that children thrive when given regular access to outdoor environments. “Once you see children flourish in nature and develop confidence in ways indoor environments cannot replicate, it becomes clear how valuable outdoor learning can be". She said. "Some of our settings now allow children to spend their entire nursery day outdoors. These spaces meet practical needs while also helping children and families learn about sustainability and caring for the environment.”
The move reflects a wider national shift toward nature-based education. Independent nurseries including Little Wellies in Peterborough who have also introduced permanent canvas learning spaces as outdoor classrooms inspired by Forest School principles, incorporating features such as fire pits, mud kitchens and outdoor play shelters.
But it's not just the private day nurseries who are driving this shift towards more outdoor classrooms for our early years; government-backed initiatives are also helping to drive the trend. The Department for Education’s National Education Nature Park programme is actively investing in greener school estates, while organisations including WWF and Natural England continue to highlight the importance of ensuring all children can access outdoor learning.
Combining solutions which are both durable, practical and rooted in ancient human culture brings benefits to our children in more ways than one. Within Early Years education, permanent tipi outdoor classrooms are reconnecting children with natural cycles and have the potential to shape how the next generation understands climate responsibility and ecological resilience. This marks a genuinely positive shift which supports children as they learn and play while helping prepare future generations for ecological uncertainty, water shortages and changing environmental baselines.
Rhiannon Mountain of Kids Planet is forging ahead with her 'outdoor-first' vision, inspiring others along the way as the sector continues to evolve: “My aspiration for the early years sector is that nature-based practice becomes the norm, not the exception” she says, “If we can give children meaningful hands-on experiences in nature from the very start, we nurture future citizens who feel connected to and responsible for the planet they will one day protect. When children fall in love with nature, everything changes.’
As more nurseries are recognising the value of outdoor learning and hands-on play, Kids Planet are helping to set a new direction for the sector. With growing support from educators and policymakers, outdoor learning is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping future Early Years outdoors education across the UK.
So, if you're considering an outdoor classroom for your nursery please do reach out for your non-obligation quote and exploration call to discuss options for a safe, durable and reliable outdoor learning space for your children to thrive.