Nursery World - Outdoor nursery play is hampered

A leading trade union has called for the Government to increase investment in outdoor play spaces for nursery children in schools. The call was made by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) after a survey of its members found that more than six in ten (61 per cent) said provision was inadequate. The union questioned 550 teachers about progress on implementing the Foundation Stage for three- and four-year-olds and found that a lack of appropriate outdoor facilities was one of the biggest problems they faced.

The call was made by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) after a survey of its members found that more than six in ten (61 per cent) said provision was inadequate. The union questioned 550 teachers about progress on implementing the Foundation Stage for three- and four-year-olds and found that a lack of appropriate outdoor facilities was one of the biggest problems they faced.

Most respondents were in primary schools. Three-quarters taught reception classes and the rest either in nursery schools or nursery classes attached to primary schools.

Although the Foundation Stage guidance states that 'well-planned play, both indoors and outdoors, is a key way in which young children learn with enjoyment and guidance', teachers face difficulties putting this into practice because of lack of access and suitable equipment.

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