Children at Tops Day Nursery embark on new initiative of 'sleeping outdoors'

Children at Tops Day Nurseries: Wareham Nursery have begun taking their afternoon naps outdoors in a new initiative that emulates early years practices in Scandinavian countries.

There are currently seven children, aged one and over, at the nursery who take their afternoon naps outside.

“One of our parents used to live in Denmark and her children sleep outside and we decided to incorporate this into our setting. We started discussing this in October but it took a lot of planning and we had to look at health and safety and carry out risk assessments. So the children didn’t start sleeping outside until January. It is optional for the parents. We have found some parents are really up for it but for others it is a definite no,” said Nicky Willetts, nursery manager.

The nursery in Dorset has created a woodland area in the grounds of nursery, which is split into two sections.

One half is covered by a camouflage net where the children sleep and the other is open. Under the net are several tree stumps to form table and chairs and the nursery has invested in stackable cot beds and sleeping bags.

Ms Willetts claims there are huge benefits to sleeping outdoors. “They are out in the fresh air and there are no problems when they wake up. If they are sleeping inside they can take a while to come around but outside when they wake up they are instantly alert. The children love sleeping outside, they find it very exciting. But it is vital to have the right equipment so the children stay warm.”

In the open area, there is a sensory area with a textured pathway using various coloured stones, flower boxes made from recycled wood and a xylophone made from wood which hangs from the gate. “The children have the opportunity to make music using twigs and sticks and there are several flasks hanging up which have been filled with various items such as rice and pasta. These provide the children with the opportunity to create sounds by banging, hitting and shaking.

“Along the border of the woodlands area the nursery has placed large plant boxes filled with plants and leaves with all different textures. The babies enjoy pulling themselves up to stand and explore using their senses,” says Ms Willetts.