Outdoor Nursery

[pinguwings]

DD has her first day of nursery today. She is 2 years 9 months.

The nursery has a huge amount of outdoor space, including some covered areas. The nursery have said that due to COVID the children will be outside all the time, at least until half term.

I am happy with this. DD loves being outside, the space and facilities are great and the area is secure.

However I was told today that I shouldn't send her in an all in one waterproof again as she couldn't take it off by herself to use the toilet. Apparently they have a minimal touch policy (despite taking children in nappies.)

I totally get trying to teach independent skills, but for a two year old, this is a tricky item of clothing and will take a while to master.

When she's going to be outside for 6 hours at a time on a rainy day I want to know she's going to be dry. I don't want her in just a coat, as her trousers will be soaked. She will have similar issues with the waterproof overalls I think although I could try them.

Am I being unreasonable to expect the nursery staff to help?

She did forest school for a year (we did a parent and toddler session) - we both loved it. I'm totally not anti an outdoor education.

I think I will question their minimal touch policy a bit more- I'm not sure if it's entirely COVID related or due to safeguarding. I had assumed that she'd get a cuddle if she needed one, now I'm going to have to ask about that.

Wow @AlexanderHalexander as you compare the two the outdoor nursery sounds much more appealing to me! No way would I want a nursery to potty train my DC potentially before they're ready, and teach them all those other things as if they're already in school. To me that's not "what a good nursery would do" at all. In my mind what matters is the connection the children have with their care givers, and that they get to freely play. Just have a good time. Outdoors is perfect for this as so much to see and explore

Aaliyahhh I was very grateful our nursery helped potty train my DD- when I spent the time to train her she picked it up within a few days at 2.4yrs old, I do think the dual approach helped her.
Nurseries to me are places of fun but as a child approaches school I like a bit more structure so school is less of a shock.