Little Explorers Forest School, Broomfield, Derby

Bikeability – From Children’s Voice to Curriculum Impact

The impact of our recent Bikeability experience has been phenomenal. We genuinely could not have predicted the buzz, joy, excitement and learning that would emerge from two days of riding bikes and scooters together.

In Early Years, we talk about intent and impact all the time – what we want children to learn and the difference our experiences make. This experience has been a wonderful reminder that, while we can plan our intent, the impact can sometimes be far greater and more unexpected than we anticipate.

In response to the children’s voice and their growing interest in bikes, we temporarily swapped the woods for the car park, creating a safe, enclosed and risk-assessed space for our Big Group children to bring in their own bikes and scooters. Our initial intent was to:

respond to children’s interests and voice;
develop core strength, balance, coordination and gross motor skills;
build confidence and physical competence;
promote sustainable ways of travelling; and
provide opportunities for children to develop independence and perseverance.

What we saw, however, went far beyond these initial intentions.

Children learned to pedal independently in just two days. Children who had previously relied on tricycles began experimenting with balance bikes. Others gained the confidence to move from a tricycle to a two-wheeler. Children were sharing bikes, taking turns, encouraging one another and supporting their peers. Some children who were initially hesitant watched others, built up their confidence and then had a go themselves.

The learning was not just physical. We saw resilience, confidence, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, risk assessment, perseverance and peer support happening naturally and authentically through play.

Most importantly, we saw children experiencing the pride of mastering something that had initially felt difficult – and then wanting to do it again.

The experience has been so powerful that Bikeability will now become an embedded part of our progressive curriculum. Our ambition is that every child who comes through Little Explorers will have the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and competence to ride a bike.

This is a powerful example of how listening to children, following their interests and providing the right environment can create learning opportunities that we could never have fully planned on paper. The curriculum intent provided the starting point; the children created the impact.

🍦🌳 As a special summer treat, the children asked to create their very own ice cream truck in the woods—and we loved bringing their idea to life!

The children planned the flavours, chose the toppings, created menus, and even designed a hat for their chosen ice cream lady 😀. Seeing their excitement when their ideas became a reality was priceless.

After enjoying their ice creams, the children continued the experience through imaginative play, using natural resources to create their own ice creams for one another. It was wonderful to see their creativity, teamwork, and imaginations flourish while making special summer memories together. 💛

Leavers Party 2026 🥳

Always a special event for our children and families . A heartfelt thank you for choosing Little Explorers and joining us to celebrate.

We have loved having you all as part of our nursery family 🥰

I'm just going to say it...

My team are better than yours. 😉🌿

Not because they're perfect.
Not because they never have tough days.
But because when the temperature hits 30°C+, they don't just survive—they somehow still turn up with smiles, endless energy, and a determination to make every child's day magical.

They adapt, they innovate, they laugh, they problem-solve, they support each other, and they never lose sight of what matters most... the children.

So yes... I'm biased. And yes... I'm incredibly proud.

To my Little Explorers team—you are the reason our nursery is so special. You are the calm in the chaos, the creators of wonder, and quite honestly... the unsung heroes.

Sorry Not Sorry... my team really are better than yours. ❤️🌿

⚽🎨 Our World Cup-inspired art provocation was an absolute joy to watch unfold this week.

There is something incredibly rewarding about standing back and observing children become completely immersed in their own ideas, exploring materials in ways that adults could never have planned. The creativity, curiosity and collaboration that emerged from this simple invitation to create were wonderful to see.

At Little Explorers, our provocations are never created just because they look inviting. They are carefully considered and inspired by the developmental needs, interests and learning preferences of the children in front of us. This experience was designed with some of our schematic learners in mind, particularly those exploring trajectory and rotational schemas, giving them opportunities to move, spin, sweep, roll and create on a large scale.

Our Big Art Area continues to be one of my favourite spaces within the nursery. It provides opportunities for children to combine materials, experiment with techniques and develop both gross motor skills and fine hand dexterity, all while following their own ideas and interests. More importantly, it creates a space where children can collaborate, problem-solve, take risks and learn from one another.

Watching children work together, share resources, adapt their ideas and proudly talk about their creations reminded me once again that meaningful learning often happens when we provide the right environment and then allow children the freedom to lead the way.

Sometimes the most powerful learning starts with a simple provocation and a little curiosity. ❤️

At Little Explorers our mante is every moment matters. Meal times are one of our core opportunities to foster a sense of belonging and to reflect on our learning together.

Our "Big Group" enjoys eating outdoors throughout the year. On mild days, we listen to the birds singing, enjoy the fresh air, and share conversations about our experiences and discoveries. These moments help children connect with nature, build relationships, and develop a strong sense of community.

Listening to the birds while sharing a meal outdoors are the kinds of simple moments that are truly worth cherishing 🧡💚

Safe sleep is about more than routines and procedures – it is also about creating environments where children feel secure, calm and truly at ease.

This beautiful moment of our babies sleeping peacefully beneath the canopy of the trees reflects our ongoing commitment to providing safe, nurturing sleep spaces that support wellbeing in holistic ways. Surrounded by fresh air, natural shade, birdsong and the gentle movement of nature, the environment becomes part of the experience of rest itself.

Through reflective practice, we continue to consider how our spaces can promote not only safety, but comfort, connection and wellbeing — recognising the powerful role that awe-inspiring environments can play in helping our youngest children relax, regulate and recharge. 🌿💚

Today we celebrated the life of our friend and colleague, “Big James, as we do on this day every year.

We took time to visit his tree and read his favourite story… although I will never do it justice, as it was a story James told so wonderfully well and I will never get the farmer voice quite right !

James always believed he would never leave a legacy — today is the day I get to prove him wrong.

His big personality, kindness, humour, and the impact he had on so many children , families and colleagues continue to live on in the memories at Little Explorers .

🌿 Exciting Opportunity – Early Years Leader 🌿

We are looking for a passionate and inspiring Early Years Leader to join our nursery team.

If you are committed to shaping practice, leading with creativity, and improving outcomes for children through an outdoor pedagogy, we would love to hear from you.

✨ Full-time position
✨ Revised salary: £29,625
✨ Supportive and forward-thinking team
✨ Opportunity to make a real difference for children and families

We warmly welcome anyone interested in the role to contact us for an informal chat or visit before applying. Come and see what makes our setting such a special place to learn and grow.

Please get in touch to find out more or request an application pack.

Contact : [email protected]

Nursery Room Co-ordinator We are currently experiencing technical issues with our recruitment systems. If you do not receive your activation email once you have made a application, please contact our Talent Acquisition team by emailing [email protected] Optimistic - Equity- Kindness- Innovation– Collaborati...

"It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it ....."

A big shout out to the Little Explorers dream team for giving up a Saturday to reflect on our curriculum design and evolving pedagogy .

It really is such a pleasure and privilege to work with such passionate professionals who bring joy and laughter to each and every day . ❤️