Report RE: Outdoor play

Original Post

by: Millie

There is such a lovely quote:-

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing and ill equipped staff"

 From vast experience the more time children spend playing outside the more they become imune to the cold! - Also suitable clothing provided by the parents and setting will avoid children getting cold.  As for the time factor it is a good viable learning experience, children are able to put on own shoes, coats, hats scarves etc., with practice lessening the time staff have to spend helping them.  They will also be far more prepared for infant schools, aiding the staff there.  It also promotes a child's self esteem and well-being.

I have visited lots of settings that have an open door practice, and it works wonders.  It is usually the staff who complain of the cold and can not be bothered to work outside!

Most of these settings ask for spare wellies and kagouls and waterproof trousers - they also undertake activiies outdoors much of the time encompassing the 6 eareas of learning. 

Parents need to be informed of the benefits of outdoor play and this can only be undertaken by photographic evidence, research materials presented to them during parent evenings.  This does not need to be heavy stuff.

Obviously if a child is wet through you would bring the child in, but they should not be out without appropriate clothing in the first place.

I too am interested in seeing how other settings deal with this.

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