Report RE: Outdoor play

Original Post

by: sanjjean

Hi

Just wondering what peoples views were on access to outdoor play regardless of weather.  We have a beautiful outdoor area  catering for all areas of development, however when it rains non stop as it did this morning the children, who love to be outside got very wet and some were cold. We do have a selection of wellies and raincoats.

 The manager feels the children should be out whatever unless the weather is particularly bad, but for the staff coping with cold wet children we feel differently. My opinion is allow the children out but monitor how wet or cold they are and bring them in, if only for a short period and allow them out again. We have a period when outdoor play is compulsary and those already wet are made to stay out until it is time for them all to come in.

I am all for free access to outdoor play as is the new EYFS but feel we might be taking it a bit too far. I know some parents complain about their child going out when its wet. I'm beginning to think it should be left up to the parent and if they want their child out when its pouring with rain then they should provide the appropriate clothing.

I am intersested how other settings deal with this.

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