When I purchased Monkey Puzzle Streatham Common, I saw enormous potential. I could see beyond the building and imagine what this nursery could become: a place where children could connect with nature, learn through play, develop confidence and create wonderful childhood memories.

Today, I am incredibly proud to share the next stage of that journey. Following significant investment, our outdoor environment has been transformed into a beautiful learning space designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and exploration for children of all ages.

As both a Nursery Director and Physiotherapist, I know how important outdoor play is for children’s physical, emotional and social development. Every element of our garden has been carefully designed to support children’s growth while allowing them the freedom to simply enjoy being children.

Two Gardens, Endless Opportunities for Learning

One of the things that makes our Streatham Common nursery unique is that we have separate outdoor environments designed specifically for different age groups. This means children can explore spaces tailored to their stage of development, providing the right balance of challenge, independence and safety.

Parents often ask:

“Why is outdoor play important in early years?”

Outdoor play supports:

• Physical development and coordination 
• Communication and language skills 
• Confidence and resilience 
• Problem-solving abilities 
• Social development and friendships 
• Emotional wellbeing and self-regulation

Most importantly, it allows children to learn through first-hand experiences.

Growing Our Own Food and Learning About Sustainability

One of the most exciting features of our new garden is our expanded growing area. Children can now plant, nurture and harvest a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs while learning where food comes from and how we care for the world around us.

Our vision is for this area to continue growing year after year, helping children develop a genuine connection to nature and an understanding of sustainability from an early age. Parents often search for nurseries that teach children about the environment, and we believe these experiences are some of the most valuable lessons children can learn.

There is something incredibly powerful about watching a child proudly harvest something they have grown themselves.

Our Mud Kitchen: Where Imagination Comes to Life

Some of the richest learning in early years happens when children are given the freedom to create. Our mud kitchen provides endless opportunities for imaginative play, investigation and experimentation.

Whether children are creating magical potions, baking mud pies or opening their own outdoor café, they are developing:

• Communication and language skills 
• Creativity and imagination 
• Problem-solving abilities 
• Teamwork and collaboration 
• Fine and gross motor skills

To a child, it may look like play. To us, it is learning at its very best.

A Creative Space for Art, Discovery and Connection

We have also created dedicated outdoor spaces for arts, crafts and creative exploration. Our picnic and craft area provides children with opportunities to paint, draw, build, investigate and create while enjoying the benefits of being outdoors.

Research continues to show that children who spend more time outdoors are often more engaged, more active and more connected to their learning. This space allows us to take learning beyond the classroom and into the fresh air.

Learning Through Role Play and Real-Life Experiences

One of our newest additions is our wonderful outdoor farm shop. Role play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn.
Our farm shop encourages children to:

• Develop communication and language skills 
• Build confidence speaking with others 
• Explore early mathematics and counting 
• Learn about food and healthy eating 
• Develop creativity and storytelling skills

By linking our farm shop with our growing areas, children begin to understand the journey from planting and harvesting through to food appearing in our homes and communities.

by Sheena Patel, Owner and Nursery Director