LTL has set up an initiative to build regional networks of early yearsprofessionals who would find out what resources are available for theirsettings locally and share ideas and initiatives.
Mary Jackson, senior development officer at LTL, said of the networks,'We envisage they would operate at a county level and would includeanyone within the area who would be able to support settings in outdoorplay.'
She added, 'Within the county all sorts of people could help, such asplay specialists, teachers or development officers. They could meettogether once a term to discuss matters and offer support, or shareideas and network. For example, in Dorset they have started up networksfor practitioners, but they're also setting them up at advisorlevel.
'It would be great if any settings that are already involved insomething like this could get in touch and let us know how they wentabout it.'
LTL is to receive 70,000 in funding over three years from theEsmee Fairbairn Foundation towards its accredited training programme foroutdoor play professionals.
This week (11-15 June) is also National School Grounds Week, organisedby LTL. This year's theme is 'Small steps to a sustainable future' andthe week is part of the Department for Education and Skills' SustainableSchools Year of Action. Children of all ages are encouraged to take partin a range of activities designed to help teach them about issuesincluding conserving water, growing organically and recycling waste.
More information on National School Grounds Week is available atwww.ltl.org.uk. For more information on training, or to offer ideas foroutdoor play networks, e-mail training@ltl.org.uk.
