Free education programme National Education Nature Park is inviting early years settings across England to take part in a nationwide initiative to support children to build a positive connection with nature.
The National Education Nature Park programme aims to empower children to understand, care for, and improve the natural world. Commissioned by the Department for Education and led by the Natural History Museum, alongside partners such as the Royal Horticultural Society and Learning Through Landscapes, the programme aims to bring together early years expertise, support children’s learning through play in nature, build foundational green skills, and support learning and development to prepare children for next steps.
As part of the programme, early years settings can access a library of free activities that help to connect children with nature, aid the creation of green spaces and provide guidance to build educators’ confidence in taking children outside while supporting them to manage risks and communicate outdoor learning benefits to families.
The programme has been tailored specifically for early years settings to meet the needs expressed in focus groups and via feedback from participants, with more than 800 early years settings taking part since it launched in 2023.
Early years settings can find out more information and join the programme here.