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Outdoor Learning
'The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky'. (M.McMillan 1952)
We are so very lucky at Mayfield Preschool, to be rich in the opportunities that we can offer for outdoor learning. With a beautiful green garden, a soft surfaced climbing and play area, huge sand pit and a mud kitchen, as well as the meadow at our finger tips, your little ones can enjoy a wealth of experiences!
Outdoor Play in the EYFS
Outdoor learning can have such a positive impact on enhancing all children's play experiences, and can provide opportunities that you can't always recreate indoors. With more and more emphasis on the importance of physical activity in today's society, this also promotes healthier lifestyles.
The EYFS Outdoors Matters document states that outdoor learning is important because it:
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supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles;
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offers children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement;
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promotes a sense of confidence and well-being;
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provides opportunities for developing harmonious relationships with others, through negotiation, taking turns and cooperation;
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supports those children who learn best through activity or movement;
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provides safe and supervised opportunities for children to experience new challenges, assess risk and develop the skills to manage difficult situations;
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supports children’s developing creativity and problem-solving skills;
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provides rich opportunities for imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness;
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gives children contact with the natural world and offers them unique experiences, such as direct contact with the weather and seasons.
The Outdoor Project
As a Preschool, we are involved in the 'Outdoor Project'. Funded by our local hub, we are constantly evolving our outdoor practice, auditing and action planning so that we can continue to enrich the learning of all the children in our care. We are already seeing a rise in children's well-being and breadth of experience, as well as in their 'active learning' and 'creative and critical thinking'. To view our action plan please click here.
'Community Playthings' provide a wealth of information about outdoor play, from ideas to theory, find out more by clicking on the photo!
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