Outdoor Space

Children learn important lessons from being outside, and are usually more active. Different areas can incorporate learning across all curriculum areas.

Consider the following:

• Provide a safe outdoor space for babies and non-walkers where other children understand they must not run around. Using mats, cushions, different stimulating objects and changing location of the baby area can help keep it safe and stimulating.
• Provide different textures and natural resources such as sand, shingle, bark chippings and grass.
• Have a sheltered space leading to the outdoor area to allow for play in all weather conditions.
• Variety of and easy, safe access to equipment.
• Ensure children have the right clothing when outside.
• Create different zones/ areas to encourage a variety of opportunities for physical activity that can be rotated on a weekly basis to enable all children to have a go e.g.:
  • create areas for chasing games, balls, hoops, skittles
  • create a wheeled toy area for bikes, trikes etc
  • use natural features such as mounds to run on
  • create a gardening zone for planting, digging, watering
• If you are limited on outdoor space, you can visit local parks or nearby open spaces (once you have done a risk assessment).