Standing in our lively garden, I am amazed by how far we have come in developing its use. Not so long ago it was viewed as somewhere for the children to flex their muscles in allotted time slots during a heavily prescribed day. While training the staff on the principles of the EYFS, I encouraged them to look at the outdoors differently, to view the space with fresh eyes and see its huge potential. I wanted to get away from 'this is how we've always done it'.
As this would involve changes to practice and policy, I engaged everyone in discussion at staff meetings. I described how the space should be accessible and equipped to support all areas of learning throughout the day.
Concerns were raised. Would a child spend their entire day in one area? How could shade be created on a hot day? Can children of different ages share the same space?
I re-examined our nursery layout, considering issues such as routes children take around the nursery. Key members of staff went to a local workshop, Developing an Outdoor Environment. They came back buzzing with even more ideas.
With little financial outlay we had to get creative. Some of the greatest improvements have come from cardboard tubing and donated material! An old curtain turned a tired climbing frame into a hidden world; mobiles and streamers hung from trees for children to run through and gave the space another dimension; guttering of various lengths provided speedway courses for racing cars.
But the most important change was in the way the staff began to view the outdoor space. By considering its set-up from every area of learning they ensured literacy, numeracy, exploration, small world and construction were all available. Seeing how this could be achieved, they now had a desire to make it exciting and different every day.
The space continues to grow. With an engaged team and new ideas, the principles of the EYFS are coming to life all around us!
