The Kent 'Space to Grow' has helped settings to improve the quality of outdoor learning experiences that they offer children in their care. Gail Ryder-Richardson provides an update on its successes
Since last September Learning through Landscapes (LTL), a national charity committed to improving educational outdoor environments, has been working with 15 early years settings in Kent under the 'Space to Grow' project.
The scheme aims to help settings to improve their outdoor play provision and practice and work towards providing an integrated high quality outdoor play experience for children.
Taking part in the scheme are a variety of early settings, some with reasonable access to a secure outdoor environment, others with little or no outdoor space of their own.
During the year, LTL has helped each setting to develop their practice and find solutions to the limitations that have prevented children from using the outdoors to its full potential.
Six months into the project, the settings had improved in all three priority areas of the scheme:
Access In nine settings children now have opportunities to initiate play and learning outdoors every day. This includes two settings where children have free-flow access to outdoors whatever the weather. In all but one of the remaining six settings, children are now outdoors for part of the session nearly every day.
Play and learning experiences An initial audit of existing provision revealed some support for the six areas of learning, but it exposed generally more limited opportunities for children within the areas of communication, language and literacy, mathematical development and creative development. However, in the past six months there has been a clear increase in the range of learning opportunities outdoors across the whole curriculum, and particularly within these three areas of learning.
Staff confidence and motivation Staff at the review meetings all identified a personal increase in confidence and enthusiasm, and some felt that this was also true of their colleagues. However, they acknowledged that there was still room for improvement and that this continues to be a focus for the project.
The review also highlighted other factors contributing to the settings' achievements. These included:
- finding inspiration from other places
- receiving support from others, such as early years advisers
- having the support of people within the setting, such as parents
- getting started with small changes
- receiving positive feedback
- noticing the positive impact on children's learning, behaviour and all-round development.
Many lessons have been learnt through the project and each setting will continue to share their experiences with other providers in Kent. However, practitioners across the country will benefit from considering the following summary of revealing insights made by staff in response to the question, 'What have you learnt through the project?'
- It is very important to start from what you have and look at ways to develop it.
- Children have a lot to offer us - interest, ideas and enthusiasm.
- The project has strengthened bonds between adults, for example, staff and parents.
- The use of outdoors changes the use of indoors.
- The use of outdoors has a positive impact on learning and children's behaviour.
- Networking with others is vital.
- Involving everybody shares the load and makes it more fun.
- Make limited funds go further by seeking donations - don't be embarrassed to ask for what you want.
Further information
- Early Years Outdoors is LTLs' support service for early years providers.
For more information contact LTL on 01892 845811 or www.ltl.org.uk
