The EYFS states that children need to have a daily outdoor experience, which means that a setting such as a nursery, preschool or school reception class needs to ensure that children are outside for a duration each day.
Outside natural play can take many forms, whether that is a nature walk, visiting a park or activities in a natural outdoor playground or play space.
The Importance of Outdoor Play
Supports children’s development
Children can explore and engage with the natural environment around them, they will see direct hand changes such as weather changes, wildlife changes, nature, and seasonal changes. The outside environment will allow them to discover new smells, sights, and nature, including trees, plants, insects and bugs
Fit and Healthy
Being outside and active has a positive effect and impact. It keeps children fit, healthy and active
Greater/Different Opportunities
Being outdoors allows for opportunities to do things differently, and often on a larger scale.
Supporting Managed Risk
Children will have more confidence to move in different ways and build upon these skills. By doing so, supports children by teaching them how to safely take a managed risk. They will have the opportunity to swing, climb, run, spin and jump!
Increased Confidence
Allowing children to take small and managed risk helps to build their confidence but learning not to put themselves in unnecessary danger. For example, a setting with a Forest School approach will regularly visit open spaces. Children accessing forest school activities are found to be calmer, more sociable and confident.
Freedom To Make Their Own Choices
Being outdoors provides children with the freedom to make their own choices about being active and further develop their physical skills. Children will be able to choose their own activity, whether that is to run, skip, catch, role play or climb.
Recall and Communication Improvement
Discussion with children about their experience in the outdoor environment helps with recall and communication skills.
30+ Years of Designing & Installing Outdoor Spaces
At Timotay we are proud to have promoted this for 30 years and how spending time in nature and getting children outdoors daily and engaging in natural play. We have a number of solutions that range from playground equipment, that you can purchase online, to fully managed playground design and construction service, you can browse through our selection of case studies here.
All of our playground equipment has a play value and learning outcome and is handcrafted by our skilled woods craftsmen using approved sustainable timber.
Book A Free Consultation
If you are looking to transform your outdoor space or looking to turn a vision into reality – we can help. You can book a FREE consultation with our award-winning team by calling us on 01933 665 151.
Alternatively, If you are looking for funding for your playground or outdoor space, we also offer a FREE funding guide.
