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Laura Robshaw

The Importance of Time Outdoors: Physical Activity for Kids (Part 5)

Laura Robshaw

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My Family Care asks Laura: Why is it important for children to spend time outdoors?

 

Growing up

Children are growing from the day they are born, so to ensure they develop their muscles, learn new skills and become independent, we should be encouraging them to be active both indoors and outdoors from birth.

We know children learn in different ways and while indoor activities play an important part, there are many learning opportunities whilst playing outdoors too.

Planning an enabling environment with stimulating, age appropriate activities and experience outdoors is just as important as indoor play. Research has shown boys in particular respond well to the open spaces and challenges of an outdoor environment. 

Unleash imagination

Being outdoors can add a whole new element to child's world, helping to fire their imagination.

Whether it is jumping in and out of puddles, watching the snowflakes fall, investigating wildlife and plants or flying ribbons in the wind, an outdoor environment stimulates children's imaginations, as well as their physical development.

Learn to take risks

It is also the perfect place to learn about risk taking, a fundamental part of learning.

Children need opportunities to learn this skill in a well-planned outdoor area that is risk assessed, safe, secure and healthy with supportive practitioners.

Allowing them the opportunity to start to take calculated risks and think 'what will happen if I do this?' Or 'I wonder if I can do this' and to learn from their mistakes will help children to build skills they need for the future.

It may be something as simple as wanting to climb further up the climbing frame but children will need these opportunities, reassurance and support to be able to try it.

The ability to express themselves freely helps children learn and develop. These benefits are evident from a very early age, so outdoor play areas need to be accessible to all including babies and toddlers. This may mean having access to their own outdoor area or sharing with the older children.

Children also benefit from walks in the local community and outings to local places such as the farm.

Nursery spaces

But for nurseries, providing an outdoor area can be a challenge, and careful thought should be given to the way it is created and managed.

Ideally it should be easily accessible, so depending on a child's age and stage of development they can come and go independently. Coats and shoes should be in easy reach and, as children and practitioners should play outside in all weathers, provision for waterproofs, dry clothing and sunscreen are essential.

Not all nurseries have the ideal outdoor area but practitioners can still make sure children get the time they need outside by organising trips to the park, a play area or a farm.

If as a parent you are concerned about trips away from nursery, ask what measures have been put in place to help keep your child safe.

Outdoor play is an essential part of child development, allowing them to explore the world around them, and take risks in a safe environment, something every nursery should encourage.

Laura Robshaw, Quality Manager, National Day Nurseries Association

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