The message that outdoor play is of vital importance for young children has certainly been heard, and many entries demonstrated a sound understanding of good practice and imaginative ideas for providing an enabling environment. If all these settings succeed in carrying through their outdoor projects, it will enrich the experiences of many young children.
Winner
* Jakeman Early Years Centre,Birmingham
Catering for 130 children aged three months to four years, this city centre setting includes a nursery school and neighbourhood nursery in a deprived area. The grounds have no shade when temperatures soar in the summer.
Deputy head Kate Evans listed achievements to date including a 'Secret Garden' project, a 'Dora the Explorer' project to engage children with the natural world, and growing and cooking organic fruit. Now, the centre wants to continue with its 'Enchanted Garden' project to include sensory areas for Jakeman children and those from a local special school, an investigation area, permanent sand and water areas, plants from different cultures, and composting. Stay and Play toddler groups, holiday playschemes and the local youth club will also benefit from the developments.
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