As the curriculum and budget cuts take place regularly children especially in early years loose out on valuable learning in the outdoors. Where there is so much to teach the children in early years in school, the outdoor learning suffers as there is just not enough time for the children to enjoy outdoor learning. Also when budget cuts are made there is a struggle with resources for outdoor play or even not having enough staff to supervise children in the outdoors. So it is very important not just in schools but in home life for children be encouraged to be in the outside and explore.
The weather in the UK is unpredictable so by having these items in the setting at all times it will ensure children can gain the most from the outdoors environment every day. Inform parents that children will be kept warm and will be making the most of what the weather has to offer. Also, remind parents that outdoor clothes may get messy so not to send children to the setting in their best clothes. Dress for Mess is often a good motto to follow. The benefits of outdoor play are discussed and detailed on a daily basis, and all children should be able to experience these every day, rain or shine. Some of the benefits of enjoying the outdoors in all weathers include:
- The sensory experience of listening to and feeling different weather conditions such as the wind, rain, and snow.
- Discovering about seasons and the changes that happen in the environment such as crunchy leaves falling off the trees
- Holistic development
- Learning to manage the new risks that come with different weathers such as drinking lots of water and sun cream when it’s hot, or being careful of ice when it’s cold
- Discovering about living things in the environment when the weather changes for example frogs may come out when it rains
- New EYFS learning experiences such as painting with wet mud when it’s raining or catching rain in containers and talking about quantities and numbers
- Plus many fun activities such as den building to keep dry or to provide shelter from the sun, splashing in puddles, crunching leaves, minibeast hunting and much more
(Accessing multi-agency support in the early years, 2020)
Outdoor Play 