Learning Through Play at Brockhurst & Marlston House Nursery
At Brockhurst & Marlston House Nursery, learning through play is at the heart of everything we do. Our approach encourages children to explore, investigate, imagine, and develop confidence through meaningful early years experiences designed around curiosity and discovery.
Located in Newbury, our independent outdoor learning nursery provides children with the freedom to learn both inside and outside the classroom through engaging activities, specialist teaching, and hands-on exploration. Families across Berkshire, Hermitage, Cold Ash, Bucklebury, and Chieveley choose our private nursery because of its nurturing environment, woodland setting, and balanced approach to early years education.
Whether splashing in muddy puddles, exploring woodland trails, building confidence through outdoor nursery activities, or developing communication skills through imaginative play, children are encouraged to learn naturally through enjoyable everyday experiences.
- Book a Nursery Visit: Explore our outdoor learning nursery in Newbury.
- Discover Our Learning Environment: See how learning through play supports early years development.
What Learning Through Play Means
Learning through play in the early years allows children to develop essential skills naturally while staying engaged, active, and curious.
Through structured activities, child-led exploration, and guided experiences, children begin developing:
- Communication & Language Skills
- Confidence & Independence
- Problem Solving & Creativity
- Physical Coordination
- Social Interaction & Teamwork
- Early Literacy & Numeracy Foundations
At our learning through play nursery, children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and build resilience through practical experiences that support both emotional and academic development.
Outdoor Learning Nursery in Newbury
Outdoor learning forms an important part of daily life at Brockhurst & Marlston House Nursery. Our woodland setting and open grounds provide exciting opportunities for exploration, discovery, and adventure throughout every season.
As an outdoor learning nursery, we believe children benefit from spending time outdoors in all weather conditions. Welly walks, nature trails, woodland activities, and muddy puddles all help children develop confidence, resilience, and independence while connecting with the world around them.
Lessons and activities regularly take place outside wherever possible, helping children understand that learning can happen everywhere - not only inside the classroom.
Play Based Learning in Early Years
Play based learning in early years education allows children to build important skills in a way that feels natural, engaging, and enjoyable.
At Brockhurst & Marlston House Nursery, activities are carefully planned to support every child’s individual stage of development while encouraging curiosity and creativity through play.
Early years learning through play may include:
- Messy Play & Sensory Activities
- Construction & Problem Solving
- Role Play & Imaginative Games
- Music, Dance & Movement
- Arts & Crafts
- Storytelling & Phonics
- Outdoor Discovery Activities
Activities for 2-3 year olds in childcare are designed to help children develop communication, confidence, coordination, and independence while encouraging positive relationships and social development.
Forest School Nursery Experiences
Our extensive grounds allow us to provide forest school nursery experiences that encourage curiosity, imagination, and safe risk-taking from an early age.
Children attending our forest nursery school enjoy:
- Nature Exploration
- Seasonal Outdoor Activities
- Welly Walks
- Creative Outdoor Play
- Storytelling & Imaginative Adventures
- Sensory Experiences
- Team Activities & Problem Solving
These experiences support emotional wellbeing, physical development, communication skills, and self-confidence while helping children develop a lifelong appreciation for outdoor learning.
Specialist Activities & Enrichment
Children within our independent nursery benefit from access to specialist facilities and teachers within the wider Brockhurst & Marlston House School environment.
Weekly enrichment opportunities include:
- Swimming Lessons
- PE Sessions
- Music & Performing Arts
- Outdoor Exploration
- Creative Activities
- Movement & Coordination Sessions
Optional extracurricular activities such as ballet, yoga, judo, and Groovy Movers provide additional opportunities for children to develop confidence, balance, coordination, and creativity.
Building Confidence Through Outdoor Nursery Activities
Outdoor nursery activities help children become confident learners who are willing to explore, investigate, and try new experiences.
By climbing, balancing, exploring woodland spaces, and engaging in imaginative outdoor play, children begin developing resilience, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills naturally through play.
These experiences also support the transition from nursery into Reception by helping children become more independent and self-assured in new situations.
A Supportive Early Years Environment
Every child learns differently, which is why our experienced early years team creates a warm, supportive environment where children feel happy, secure, and encouraged to explore at their own pace.
As a private nursery in Newbury, we work closely with parents and carers to support every child’s development while helping build strong foundations for future learning.
Through outdoor learning, specialist teaching, and learning through play in the early years, children are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity, and a genuine enjoyment of learning from the very beginning.
- Arrange a Personal Tour: Discover our forest school nursery and outdoor learning spaces in Newbury.
- Enquire About Nursery Places: Learn more about our early years approach and flexible nursery options.