Nursery World - Let's move

Space and equipment for physical play needs to be challenging but accessible to the children in your setting. Julian Grenier discusses how to make the most of it Space, fresh air and children's freedom of movement have all been considered essential to early years education in Britain for more than a hundred years. However, outdoor areas like the garden at Woodlands Park Nursery Centre have felt pretty damp, grey and dismal this winter. With wind and rain often penetrating the most sheltered corners, it is easy to feel gloomy about outdoor play.

Space, fresh air and children's freedom of movement have all been considered essential to early years education in Britain for more than a hundred years. However, outdoor areas like the garden at Woodlands Park Nursery Centre have felt pretty damp, grey and dismal this winter. With wind and rain often penetrating the most sheltered corners, it is easy to feel gloomy about outdoor play.

But there is still a buzz in the excitement of physical activity every morning as children arrive and move freely in and outdoors. The enjoyment the children feel is impressive as they splash in puddles, scoop up mud with shovels and battle for proficiency on the monkey bars and scooters.

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