Risky play at Stepping Stones  

Be Adventurous is one of the Berkhamsted Schools Group’s core values, and we believe that it should be woven into a child’s educational journey from the very start. At Stepping Stones, our pre-school nursery located within the beautiful Pre-Prep site, we see being adventurous not as recklessness, but as a powerful opportunity explored through carefully supported ‘risky play.’  

Risky play is not about breaching health and safety; it is about giving young children the confidence and courage to take measured, meaningful risks. Whether that’s climbing a tree, exploring a new path or even simply taking one step higher on a ladder, all of these moments, with the right guidance, offer immense learning benefits to a young child. They spark satisfaction, self-belief and the desire to keep exploring, qualities that will benefit a child’s life far beyond their early years. 

“It’s really about them challenging themselves, and I think I love to call it fearless joy; the fearless joy of trying something new.” 

“Building that resilience, building those challenges, and giving them the opportunity to do that in a safe way.” 

• Debbie Cooper, Deputy Head of Pre-Prep (Day Nursery & Stepping Stones) in ‘In the Berkhamsted Spotlight’ podcast 

At Berkhamsted, we place a huge value on early years care because we know that these formative moments shape the foundations of a child’s character. At Stepping Stones, we help every child reach out for that extra ladder rung, nurturing the adventurous spirit that will help them thrive. 

To learn more about how we champion adventure at our Day Nursery and at Stepping Stones, listen to our latest podcast episode of ‘In the Berkhamsted Spotlight.’