But what does a balanced diet of 'middle years' childhood experiences look like?
The middle years are when children explore their growing and changing physical abilities. Running, jumping, climbing, throwing, catching and balancing are about much more than expending energy. They express the enormous appetite of all children - not least disabled children - for immersing themselves in the possibilities of their own bodies. And this needs space. Friendships are central to this stage in childhood, and also need space and time to grow and evolve. Middle years children are also beginning to discover and develop their own interests in sports, music, nature, games or creative pursuits that also need space and time.
Perhaps the most valued asset of childhood is that elusive quality, freedom: freedom to explore, to take control and to test and build one's abilities. Freedom is different to choice. One setting can offer lots of choice but very little freedom to take control, while another with what seems a narrower programme can give children a real taste of autonomy. And framing everything is the need for somewhere to feel secure, that is cosy and warm, where there are caring grown-ups who don't boss you around or treat you unfairly.
Many children today are starved of space and time to call their own. If you can get all these ingredients right in your setting, you can help them enjoy vital experiences they might otherwise miss out on. Have a look at your activities and programmes: where can you offer more space and freedom? As Jamie Oliver says, why not try something new today and see how the children respond?
