The children at one setting in Scotland have access to an outdoor area with loose-parts musical ‘instruments’, and have even built their own stage, finds Annette Rawstrone

Music is often reserved as an indoors activity, but children at Space Place Early Years Centre in Prestwick, South Ayrshire enjoy playing instruments, singing and dancing throughout their setting, including in the outdoor area. Staff have designed a special zoned outdoor music area for the children which is based around a ‘music wall’, where children can express themselves through musical creativity.

the music wall

Manager Caroline Fyfe explains how they aim to give children control of their own learning through experiences of touching, moving, listening and observing. It was decided to create a ‘music wall’ outdoors so that children would have the opportunity to explore making sounds together during free play. A benefit of it being sited outdoors is that children have the freedom to make more noise and have the space for big, full-body movement.

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