Nursery World - For work, rest and play

A stimulating outdoor play area can have a positive effect on your nursery or school - creating an environment which encourages quality free play has been shown to improve children's behaviour and noise levels Where to start

Where to start

Take a good long look at your outdoor area. Is it a sad looking wasteland where some children spend time aimlessly wandering while others charge senselessly around, knocking each other over? Is the noise so overwhelming that staff reach for the aspirin when they are in the staff room? Are the people who supervise the children at lunchtime overstressed and constantly having to intervene in the children's play? Research shows that investing in a well-designed playground, where any number of activities can take place, has positive effects on how a school operates, and that filters through to all areas of the school life.

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