Report RE: outdoor play and free flow

Original Post

by: Millie

Hi Jam

This is a great topic!  So many providers do not use the outdoor play area to its maximum potential.  Even car parks that are only used for arrival and departure can be used effectively, providing it can be cordoned off appropriately and safely from stray vehicles coming in during the day. and staff and children are taught how to use the area with regards to Health and Safety. 

Adults canl devise play opportunities based around themes and children's interest, taking/extending learning from indoors outdoors. 

With good adult input, children can learn to use the area responsibly.  A good book that I have found is Creating a Space to Grow by Gail Ryder Richardson (David Fulton Publishers).  Within it, not only does it give you some good outdoor activities, it helps you prepare staff to open their eyes as to how outdoor areas can be accessed, firstly by looking at barriers to access and then asking staff to come up with ways around the barriers. You will find that liaising with your team and other staff will open up a flurry of good ideas for its use.

Also if you google 'Learning for Landscapes' you will have tapped into a wonderful resource with much information as to how you can make your space work for you.

Good Luck 

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