Why water play is important in early childhood
Water play is one of the most engaging and developmental experiences in early childhood. At Little Woodlands Day Nursery in Minsterworth, we love creating exciting opportunities for children to learn through hands-on, outdoor exploration. Water play gives children the freedom to test their ideas without limits – there’s no wrong way to pour, scoop or splash.
A morning of fun in our garden
This morning, our garden was alive with laughter as the children enjoyed a vibrant water play session. Fully suited and booted in their wellies and waterproofs, they explored water trays, funnels, scoops, and buckets. With bright colours added to the water, the children experimented enthusiastically – watching colours swirl, mixing shades, pouring from different heights, and discovering how water moves and behaves. Of course, plenty of joyful splashing was involved too!
At Little Woodlands, our outdoor environment is a key part of our learning approach. We believe children thrive when they can explore freely, connect with nature, and follow their curiosity.
How water play supports learning and development 
Water play supports a wide range of EYFS learning goals, including:
- Fine‑motor skills
- Hand‑eye coordination
- Early scientific thinking
- Communication and language
- Social interaction and teamwork
Every pour, splash, and shared tool creates a meaningful learning moment.
Families love our outdoor learning approach
Families in Minsterworth, Gloucester, Highnam, and the Forest of Dean choose Little Woodlands Day Nursery for our strong focus on outdoor learning, child‑led exploration, and nurturing early years care. We are proud to offer a warm, woodland‑inspired environment where children can build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy unique experiences every day.
Visit Little Woodlands Day Nursery
If you’re looking for a nursery in Minsterworth that celebrates outdoor learning and gives children the space to grow, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.
Ready to see outdoor learning in action?
If you’re searching for a nursery in Minsterworth, near Gloucester, Highnam, or the Forest of Dean, Little Woodlands Day Nursery offers a nurturing, woodland-inspired environment where children can explore, play, and learn through hands-on experiences. Contact us today to arrange a visit and discover how your child can thrive in our outdoor-focused early years setting.
