We have recently introduced natural learning environments into our classrooms and the wider school areas. Classrooms have been painted a neutral cream, with wooden furniture and plants scattered throughout. Displays are purposeful and act as working walls where the children can display their work and plot their learning journeys. 

This approach aims to create ‘thinkers & doers’ by putting the child at the centre of their own development and education. We have adopted this approach to learning for numerous reasons, including: - 

• Creating a calm, secure and welcoming environment where children feel loved and valued.  
• Providing children with a safe space which makes them feel supported to become confident, competent, and inquisitive learners. It also adds to the sense of belonging and well-being of each child. 
• Classrooms encourage cooperative learning where each child has a voice and contributes to the learning day. 
• Places where the children really do regulate their own behaviours, and only need gentle reminders for redirection.  

• They create an evolving learning environment that empowers students’ curiosity, exploration, and response. Children can pursue topics that interest them, while educators can facilitate that learning.
• Develops collaborative learning as well as independent learning.
• Modern toys and technology are removed from the learning environment and replaced with real, authentic resources to encourage children’s natural curiosity and eagerness to explore and create. 
• Providing children with a calm, stress-free environment filled with open-ended resources available at eye-level allows them to figure things out themselves. 
• Children have easy access to supplies and learning materials and are consistently inspired and encouraged to direct their own learning. ​