Pre-schools, playgroups, nurseries and childminding networks are being invited to apply for grants that can be spent either to buy new outdoor play equipment or to provide or upgrade an outdoor play area for children. The money will be distributed locally by Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships.
Equal opportunities and employment minister Margaret Hodge said, 'Giving children the chance to enjoy outdoor play with good-quality equipment is vital for children's physical well being and for their social and creative development. Recent research by the Thomas Coram Research Unit has confirmed the importance of outdoor play for children in their early years.
'Many small playgroups and nurseries have not been able to provide regular access to good-quality outdoor play. This new 4m funding boost will help give nurseries, playgroups and some schools with under-fives the opportunity to think creatively about this challenge.' Mrs Hodge suggested that the money could also be spent on providing joint accessible play spaces for a number of settings, a mobile facility in rural areas, local nature gardens or equipment which partnerships could loan to different groups.
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) gave the Government initiative an enthusiastic welcome. Rosemary Murphy, NDNA chief executive, said, 'The importance of outdoor play and good outdoor play equipment has been undervalued for many years. Outdoor play should be much more than allowing children a quick run around outside and then bringing them indoors again. There is a need to re-examine how outdoor space is used and it is wonderful that the Government has taken the lead on this matter.'
