The Nature Nurture Approach

This professional development course is rooted in years of hands‑on work with children in Aberdeen, Scotland, where the original Nature Nurture Project began as an early intervention for those who had experienced adversity and trauma. Through weekly nature‑based play, supported by attuned and nurturing adults, practitioners witnessed remarkable improvements in children’s confidence, resilience, and overall wellbeing. These experiences contributed to shaping what later became the structured Nature Nurture Approach, blending therapeutic principles, outdoor learning, and child development science into a cohesive framework.

While the Nature Nurture Project started as a targeted intervention, it quickly became clear that all children benefit from the Nature Nurture Approach, not only those identified as requiring additional support. Many children now face challenges related to anxiety, emotional regulation, sensory processing, social relationships, and resilience—regardless of their background or circumstances. This increasing need for connection, movement, nature, and relational safety is one of the key reasons we developed this course: to help early years practitioners, group leaders, and teachers bring the benefits of the Nature Nurture Approach to their whole class or group.

What the Nature Nurture Approach Offers

Spanning approximately 60 hours of self‑directed study, the Nature Nurture Approach allows individuals or entire teams to learn at their own pace, with optional consultation visits available for settings seeking personalised guidance. This structure makes it possible for schools, nurseries, and community groups to embed long‑term, meaningful change rather than relying on one‑off training that doesn’t lead to sustained practice.

At the heart of the course is a cycle of action research: Theory → Practice → Observation → Reflection → Change

This cycle encourages practitioners to apply new ideas in real settings, reflect on the impact, and adapt their approach to deepen both personal understanding and whole‑school transformation. The Nature Nurture Approach emphasises that change happens through small, consistent shifts that build momentum over time.

Course Focus Areas

The Nature Nurture Approach supports educators to:

• Lead meaningful change across the school to enhance outdoor learning and nurture‑based practice
• Promote organisational transformation by tracking improvements in children’s resilience, attainment, and wellbeing
• Foster professional and personal development in understanding, wellbeing, and educator confidence

This course supports a sustainable culture shift, equipping educators to develop inclusive, responsive environments where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The Nature Nurture Approach encourages staff to develop curiosity, compassion, and reflective habits that help them respond creatively to the diverse needs within their groups.

Course Features

✔ Fully online
✔ Self‑paced learning
✔ Optional in‑person consultation support
✔ Evidence‑informed
✔ Designed for individual or team development

The Nature Nurture Approach is delivered across 16 modules, each exploring a key theme. Every module contains five focused lessons that break the topic into accessible, manageable sections, supporting deeper understanding without overwhelming busy practitioners.

What’s Inside Each Module

🧭 Take It Outside

A practical challenge designed to help you apply your learning with your group in an outdoor setting. This might include a short activity, observation task, or environmental adjustment aligned with the Nature Nurture Approach. These tasks encourage you to build confidence gradually, learning to see outdoor space as a powerful tool for emotional regulation, engagement, and relational connection.

📝 Reflective Practice

Following each activity, you’ll reflect on the experience through simple prompts, submitting a short online response before progressing. Keeping a personal journal—written, video, audio, or digital—is strongly recommended, as reflective practice is a cornerstone of the Nature Nurture Approach. Your journal becomes a valuable resource that supports clarity, planning, and professional growth.

🧰 Nature Nurture Toolkit

A collection of practical techniques, strategies, and tools that you’ll test during the next module’s Take It Outside activity. These tools support gradual, meaningful integration of the Nature Nurture Approach, helping you build confidence and consistency while adapting ideas to your unique setting.

While not a research study, this official Scottish Government resource synthesises evidence supporting outdoor, relational, play‑based approaches. It reflects the national commitment to:

• Daily outdoor learning
• Child‑led relational play
• Outdoor environments as core to early years wellbeing and development
• “Realising the Ambition: Being Me” guidance (Scotland’s early years practice framework)

👉 Link: https://www.gov.scot/policies/early-education-and-care/outdoor-play-and-learning/

1. What is the Nature Nurture Approach course?

The Nature Nurture Approach course is designed to support educators to integrate outdoor learning, relational practice, and nurture principles into early years and primary settings. It provides practical tools, reflective practice, and ongoing support to create responsive, inclusive learning environments.

2. Who is the Nature Nurture Approach course for?

The course is ideal for teachers, early years practitioners, outdoor leaders, and support staff who want to strengthen wellbeing, resilience, and engagement through nature‑based learning and nurturing adult–child relationships.

3. Why does the Nature Nurture Approach focus on outdoor practice?

Outdoor environments naturally support emotional regulation, movement, curiosity, and social connection. The Nature Nurture Approach uses nature as a foundation because it reduces stress, boosts engagement, and creates safer, more flexible spaces for children to learn.

4. Can the Nature Nurture Approach be used with whole classes?

Yes. Although originally developed as an intervention for children who experienced adversity, the approach works effectively with whole classes and groups. All children benefit from increased movement, relational connection, and time in nature.

5. How long does the Nature Nurture Approach course take to complete?

The full course takes approximately 60 hours of self‑directed study. Because it is flexible and online, participants can progress through the modules at their own pace, individually or as a staff team.

6. What are the key elements of the Nature Nurture Approach course?

The Nature Nurture Approach course combines action research, outdoor learning, reflective practice, and a toolkit of practical strategies. Each module follows the cycle: Theory → Practice → Observation → Reflection → Change.

7. Does the Nature Nurture Approach improve resilience and wellbeing?

Yes. The approach is designed to strengthen resilience, confidence, emotional regulation, and wellbeing by using relational support and nature‑based experiences that help children feel safe, connected, and capable.

8. Do I need outdoor space to use the Nature Nurture Approach?

You don’t need a forest or big field. The Nature Nurture Approach works in any outdoor space, including playgrounds, small courtyards, and local green areas. Many activities adapt easily to different environments.

9. Is consultation support available for schools?

Yes. Settings can enhance their learning with optional in‑person or online consultation visits, helping them embed the Nature Nurture Approach with tailored guidance for their children, staff teams, and environments.