Is it just playing outside all day?

This is a question we hear quite often — and it’s a fair one.

The short answer is: no.

What children do here looks like play, but it is carefully planned, purposeful learning that fully meets the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Meeting the EYFS — outdoors

All early years settings must meet the EYFS, and we are no exception. The difference is how it is delivered.

Rather than a busy indoor classroom, we meet the EYFS through real-life, hands-on experiences outdoors. Children learn through movement, exploration, conversation and play that naturally links all areas of learning — physical, communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, and beyond.

This approach supports holistic learning, where skills develop together rather than in isolation.

A calmer learning environment

Outdoor learning offers something many children struggle to find indoors: space and calm.

Without the constant background noise of a classroom — chairs scraping, overlapping voices, confined spaces — children are often:

• More focused

• Better able to listen and concentrate

• More regulated emotionally

• Less overwhelmed by sensory input

For many children, this calmer environment makes learning more accessible and meaningful.

Intentional planning, not random play

Our days are not unstructured or accidental. Learning is intentionally planned around:

• Children’s interests

• Developmental stages

• EYFS outcomes

Activities evolve naturally, allowing practitioners to follow children’s ideas while ensuring learning is progressive and purposeful.

Skilled adults behind the scenes

High-quality play-based learning depends on skilled practitioners.

At The World Outside Kindergarten, adults:

• Observe closely

• Know when to step in and when to step back

• Support learning through thoughtful questions

• Help children take appropriate, managed risks

This is what transforms play into deep, lasting learning.

In summary

It may look like “just playing outside”, but it is EYFS-led, intentionally planned, holistic learning — delivered in a calm environment where children can truly thrive.

Play is how young children learn best.

The outdoors simply gives that learning space to grow.