Barriers to outdoor play and how to tackle them


Nicola Parker Early Years Buyer - YPO


Outdoor play provides fantastic opportunities for exciting open ended learning, but we understand that it’s not always easy. Here’s some advice on how to tackle common barriers to exploring the great outdoors.


Limited space If your space is only small, make


sure it’s well planned and invest in storage that means you don’t have all your equipment out at once.


Organise activities that play to the strengths of your environment -


grass and woodland areas are great for minibeasts hunts and paved areas are great for mark making.


Safety concerns


It’s hugely important to keep children in your care safe;


however this does not mean eliminating all risks. When managed properly, small risks help children to learn. Good planning and training can ensure safety across a huge range of outdoor activities.


20 20 Shop Little Learners www.ypo.co.uk/earlyyears


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