The children have a secure and safe space in which to have as much physical play and exercise as possible. They can use their imaginations freely to make dens, set up picnics, invent ball games, build on a large scale, dance to music, and have a garage for the bikes.
How are you using the space to deliver outdoor learning and educational play?
We now have an easily accessible area for free-flow play where the
children can ride bikes, trikes and scooters in an increasingly
controlled way. The children can count the number of times they complete
a circuit to develop numeracy skills, and play imaginatively pretending
they are police officers, traffic control officers and superheroes!
The children enjoy building on the Hump Back Bridge with large
bricks, measuring, using tools, and counting, and have even used the
cover of the Sliding Lid Sandpit as a stage to perform shows!
The Lookout Tower is a popular role play area, and the top section is also ideal as a quiet reading area.
What are the biggest benefits you have seen for the children?
The children have a secure and safe space in which to have as much
physical play and exercise as possible. They can use their imaginations
freely to make dens, set up picnics, invent ball games, build on a
large scale, dance to music, and have a garage for the bikes. They are
close to the natural world, so have swept up the leaves, problem solved
ways to transport them, made hedgehog dens, explored the frost, ice and
snow, and are currently making the woods into a jungle for exploration,
‘fire lighting’ and camping. It has allowed us to have so many more
opportunities available to the children on a regular basis.