At Acorn, we believe that children thrive best when they are connected to the natural world. Outdoor learning is not just an activity we offer, it’s at the heart of everything we do. That’s why our commitment to nature begins long before a child steps into our care. It starts with the people we welcome into our team.

From the very first interview, we look for staff who share our passion for the outdoors. We know that enthusiasm for nature can’t be taught in training, it has to be lived and felt. During recruitment, we seek individuals who feel just as comfortable exploring the outdoors, tending to gardens or playing in the fresh air as they do inside the nursery exploring the various provocations on offer. This approach ensures that every member of our team genuinely embraces our ethos. By recruiting staff who naturally love the outdoors, we create an environment where children can explore, discover, and learn in meaningful, hands-on ways every day.

For us, it’s not simply about filling a position. It’s about building a team that inspires children to develop curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of nature. Because when our staff live and breathe these values, children see it—and they follow their lead.

We know that parents are less likely to play outdoors with their children as the temperature drops. The colder weather or additional factors such as demanding schedules, limited access to outdoor space, or concerns about safety in public areas, contribute to many children missing out on the benefits of regular outdoor experiences. This is where we, at Acorn, play a vital role, by ensuring outdoor play is a consistent part of our daily routine, whatever the season.

Outdoor play is far more than just fun. It helps children strengthen physical skills through running, climbing, and jumping, while also nurturing social skills as they learn to play cooperatively, take turns, and share space. The natural environment also offers sensory-rich experiences—whether it’s the crisp crunch of autumn leaves, the soft whisper of rainfall drumming on the ground, or the sparkling patterns of ice as it begins to melt. These seasonal encounters spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage children to explore the world with wonder, and for us at Acorn, embracing outdoor learning in all weathers ensures this balanced approach—combining the comfort of indoor activities with the richness of the natural world. Cooler days are not seen as a barrier but as an invitation to explore the new sights, sounds, and textures that each season brings. Fostering children’s connection to nature is also the first building block towards a more environmentally sustainable future. As children engage with the natural world around them, their curiosity deepens, inspiring a sense of wonder and respect. Our staff teams support this journey by guiding children through seasonal changes and helping them expand their understanding of the environment. This nurturing approach encourages children to develop a caring attitude – whether it’s showing empathy towards wildlife they encounter, or learning to care for plants in their outdoor spaces.

There is a well-known Scandinavian saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Popular in countries like Norway and Sweden, this reflects a practical and resilient mindset—reminding us that with the right clothing, we can enjoy the outdoors in almost any conditions. At its heart, this philosophy encourages us to see outdoor time not as something dictated by the weather, but as an essential part of daily life. When children and adults are dressed appropriately—warm, dry, and layered—they’re free to explore, play, and thrive outside all year round.

At Acorn, ensuring all children have access to suitable clothing is key to inclusion. Items such as salopettes, waterproofs, hats, scarves, gloves and sturdy footwear or snow boots, enable every child to participate fully in outdoor play. When these essentials are provided, no child is excluded from learning and exploration due to weather conditions or lack of equipment.

Equally important is ensuring that staff are well equipped. Practitioners face the same challenges as children when it comes to weather, and their comfort directly influences the quality of outdoor provision. Layering with waterproof clothing, thermals, and wellington boots not only protects against the elements but also supports staff motivation to embrace our outdoor ethos consistently throughout the year. Staff are provided with a multitude of appropriate uniform upon joining us at Acorn, with additional items issued twice a year to keep their wardrobes fresh. Beyond the standard t-shirts and jumpers, we also offer rainproof jackets, large winter coats, hats and umbrellas, making it easy to embrace the outdoors no matter the weather. We want our staff to feel comfortable, confident and ready for their next adventure in every season.

By adopting the “no bad weather” mindset, we foster resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude toward nature in bothchildren and adults. With the right clothing available for everyone, outdoor play becomes not just a fair-weather activity, but an integral part of our daily practice, our ethos and our values.