Discover the Surprising Benefits of Winter Outdoor Play for Children!
30 January 2024
As winter blankets the world in a glistening layer of frost and ice, the outdoors transforms into a magical playground for the children of Toad Hall Nursery, offering a unique set of benefits that extend beyond the chill in the air. Embracing the beauty of winter through outdoor play is not only invigorating but also contributes significantly to the overall well-being and development of our young minds.
Our beautiful, explorative garden spaces within our nurseries are accessible all year round and we actively encourage the children to engage in outdoor activities to reap the multitude of benefits they offer.
Physical Activity in the Fresh Air:
Outdoor activities not only promote cardiovascular health but also enhance gross motor skills, strength, and coordination.
Sensory Exploration:
The winter landscape offers a sensory experience like no other. As well as being a naturally calming environment, the children can gain so much from crunching through ice, feeling the cold air on their faces, and even playing out when it’s darker. Such experiences enhance sensory investigation, and provide rich experiences for fine motor skills as well as bodily awareness.
Boosting Immune Systems:
Exposure to cold weather can actually strengthen a child's immune system. Spending time outdoors in winter conditions helps the body adapt to temperature changes and builds resilience against common illnesses.
Vitamin D Absorption:
Winter sun, though less intense than in other seasons, still provides a valuable source of vitamin D. Outdoor play during daylight hours allows our children to absorb this essential vitamin, crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Cognitive Stimulation through Winter Challenges:
Winter play introduces children to a new set of challenges. Building structures with snow, navigating icy patches, and understanding the science behind freezing and melting provide cognitive stimulation. Problem-solving in a winter setting cultivates critical thinking skills and creativity.
In embracing the wonders of outdoor play during the winter season at Toad Hall Nursery, we not only provide our children with a healthy dose of fun but also give them a host of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. So, wrap up, step into the winter wonderland, and let the frosty adventures begin!
Our Promise of Safety at Toad Hall Nursery
Toad Hall Nursery Crawley has marked its first anniversary with a special celebration for families and guests, highlighting a successful year and an exciting expansion. The nursery has recently expanded by opening a new preschool room upstairs. The light, modern, and spacious environment is fully equipped with preschool resources, offering children the perfect setting to learn, play, and grow. Nursery Manager, Sonya Thakar, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating our first year at Toad Hall Crawley. It has been wonderful to see the nursery flourish, and we’re excited to expand further so we can welcome even more children. We have a fantastic team of dedicated staff who are ready to support every child’s journey with us." Looking ahead, the nursery has plans for further development aimed at enhancing children’s experiences - from integrating the rooms to support free-flow play and exploration, to creating a dedicated technology space - all while continuing to expand and provide even more opportunities for the local community. To find out more or to book a tour, visit www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk/crawley or contact the team at crawley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk .
We’re thrilled to share that Toad Hall Nursery has been named Best Childcare & Day Nursery Collection 2025! This recognition comes as part of SME News' prestigious Business Elite Awards , an annual programme now in its eighth year. The awards celebrate and showcase outstanding businesses across the UK that continue to grow, inspire, and innovate within their industries — and we are proud to be among them. What makes this award especially meaningful is that winners are chosen purely on merit . SME News' research team carries out a meticulous selection process, drawing on publicly available information and records to identify businesses that truly stand out in their field. To be recognised for the quality of our childcare and early years education is an incredible honour — and a wonderful way to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey!
We’re delighted to share that Kerry Webb from Toad Hall Nursery Horley has been named a Finalist for the SENCO Award at the NMT Nursery Awards 2025! This national recognition highlights Kerry’s incredible commitment to inclusion and her dedication to supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Kerry has been part of the Toad Hall family for over 20 years, and we couldn’t be prouder. Her passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication shine through every single day. She consistently goes above and beyond to support children, families, and colleagues – making a lasting difference to everyone around her. “Congratulations, Kerry! Being recognised in these prestigious awards is a wonderful honour and a reflection of your outstanding commitment to supporting children with additional needs. At Toad Hall Nursery Group, inclusion is at the heart of our ethos – we are proud to provide an environment where every child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.” – Kate Bridgman, Joint Head of Operations At Toad Hall, each of our nurseries has a dedicated SENDCo who works closely with children, parents, and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our specialist SEN team also provides guidance on referrals, access to support, funding, and key information to help families confidently navigate their child’s developmental journey.
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We’re proud to share that Toad Hall Nursery Group has been recognised as Runner-Up in the Best SEN Support category and named a finalist for Childcare Provider of the Year at the 2025 Childcare Services Awards! This national recognition is a proud moment for our team and reflects our ongoing dedication to inclusive practice and supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Each of our nurseries has a dedicated SENDCo who works closely with children, parents, and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our dedicated SEN team provides guidance on referrals, accessing support, funding, and sharing key information to help families navigate their child's developmental journey. We believe in personalised learning to cater to each child's unique needs. Here are some of the things we have in place to make that happen. Makaton is integrated into daily routines, songs, and storytelling to create a more accessible learning environment. Visual aids are used throughout the nurseries to support children with hearing difficulties. We incorporate schemas into play to encourage child-led learning experiences, such as enclosed spaces, spinning objects, and movement-based activities. Activities are adapted to individual needs, including smaller group sessions, quiet spaces, and sensory-friendly materials. “We are honoured to have been recognised in these prestigious awards. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and expertise of our team in supporting children with additional needs. At Toad Hall, inclusion is not just a principle, it’s a core part of our ethos. We proudly provide a nurturing environment where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential - all while making magical memories along the way.” Katrina Otomoso, Head of Operations Our dedication to inclusive, high-quality early years education has never been stronger. Thank you to our incredible staff, supportive families, and wider community for helping us achieve this proud moment.
We’re celebrating a truly remarkable achievement - our amazing Nursery Manager, Kerry, from Toad Hall Nursery in Horley, has been part of our family for an incredible 20 years! Kerry’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment shine through every day. She goes above and beyond to support children, families, and staff, making a lasting impact on everyone around her. Her journey began as an Apprentice, and over the years, Kerry has gained extensive experience in various roles, continually developing her skills. Kerry holds a Foundation Degree in Early Years and a Level 5 qualification in SEND, which has shaped her into the outstanding leader she is today. Her expertise was reflected in the nursery’s last glowing Ofsted report (November 2022), which highlighted the strong support for children with SEND, stating: "Support for children with SEND is a strength of the nursery. As a result, children with SEND make good progress in learning and development."
We are thrilled to share the news that our Hitchin nursery has received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted! This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion our team puts into providing exceptional care and learning experiences for the children who attend. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the highlights from the inspection report.
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