Enabling Environments: Tried and Tested - Taking turns

Wheeled toys are irresistible to children of all ages. Not only does the child experience pleasure when riding a bike, a trike or a scooter, they are also developing their muscles, sense of balance, spatial awareness and hand-eye co-ordination. Ensuring that children have access to a large selection of multiple wheeled vehicles, offering comfort and challenge, will encourage social interaction and development and support their relationships with peers.

PLASMA CAR

REFLECTIONS ON LEARNING

AGE: 2+

PRICE: £49.99

CONTACT: 01732 773399 or www.reflectionsonlearning.co.uk

A space-age design vehicle that moves forward as the child pulls and pushes the steering wheel. Works best on a smooth surface.

Tested by Barton Primary and Nursery School, Torquay, Devon

'This vehicle was a hit from the start. It's very attractive; it doesn't require batteries and it's suitable for the children to share and take turns. It was easy for all the children to manage and there is no danger of them falling off, as the centre of gravity of the car is low and safe. It requires little energy to move, so the children are not frustrated by the effort. We have a large outside quadrangle area and the children drove round it; stopped at the bus stop; changed drivers, and sped around according to their ability. The product is entirely safe as long as the assembly instructions are adhered to, as the bolts all need to be tight and the steering wheel and wheels need to be solidly in place. It can go very fast. It's good value for money because it has the potential to last. I think that a competent two-year-old could manage it, but it is more suited to three- to five-year-olds.'

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WHEELIE

EARLY YEARS RESOURCES

AGE: 3+

PRICE: £19.95

CONTACT: 0161 865 3355, www.earlyyearsresources.co.uk

A play wheel that helps develop balance and motor skills. Height 70cm.

Tested by Brompton CP School, Northallerton, North Yorkshire

'This product was used by boys and girls right across the age range. It is well made, lightweight and easy to store. The children used it in their imaginative play: it became a fire engine, police car, motorbike and bus. Sometimes, the children used it to follow markings on the playground or weave in and out of obstacles and other children. They enjoyed mark-making after rolling the wheel through water. The older children were able to write numbers and letters with the wheels. We think that the product is good value for money because it seems to be well made and it can survive being dropped on the playground.'

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PINTOY CARGO TRUCK

JOHN CRANE

AGE: 12 MONTHS +

PRICE: £79.99

CONTACT: For stockists call 01604 77 4949

The truck, made of rubberwood with rubber tyres, comes with a front scoop large enough to hold a variety of books and toys (68 x 35 x 43cm).

Tested by Giant Steps Horden Limited, Peterlee, Co. Durham

'Each of the children used the cargo truck within their daily play in a variety of ways. For example, a child aged 13 months used it to acquire the achievement of walking. Another child aged 20 months filled the trailer with a range of provisions and wheeled it around the environment. A group of children aged between 19 and 22 months took it in turns to transport each other around their environment with one sitting in the front trailer while another sat on the seat. We would definitely consider buying it because it's a sturdy and durable vehicle. The only concern I have is that the screws used to attach the wheels were worn down quite quickly as the Allen key provided did not fit correctly and I had to use other tools to construct the cargo truck.'

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RABO CIRCLE CART

GALT EDUCATIONAL

AGE: 4-10yrs

PRICE: £199.95

CONTACT: 08451 203005, www.galt-educational.co.uk

A robust metal-tubed vehicle which is low to the ground and able to move in all directions, depending on which way the handles are pedalled and moved.

Tested by Gaer Infant School, Newport, South Wales

'This vehicle definitely has the wow factor. The children called it the "Spider bike" because it looks like the shape of a cobweb. They took turns and supported each other's efforts, having fun if it went in the opposite direction to the one they intended. All the children wanted to try it out, even though it "felt strange" and was initially difficult for the smaller-legged children to handle. Taller children had the advantage of being able to comfortably rest their legs on the steel support. It took most of the children several times before they managed to co-ordinate both hands on the pedals rotating at the same speed at the same time. One boy liked going backwards, saying, "It's like rowing a boat". Smaller children used their feet to help push themselves forward if they had initial difficulties. Although expensive, it is tough and sturdy and definitely a good alternative to bikes.'

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RABO CART

GALT EDUCATIONAL

AGE: 4-10yrs

PRICE: £269.95

CONTACT: 08451 203005, www.galt-educational.co.uk

This cart, which allows two children to sit inside and be pulled by another, has a strong steel frame, solid durable tyres, a grip handle and a strong plastic cart.

Tested by Slinn Street Starters Community Pre-School, Sheffield

'We would definitely consider buying this product if we had a bigger outdoor area. It had limited use in our narrow garden, but when used indoors the children were completely delighted with it. The more robust children showed off their strength at pulling it and managed quite fast circuits around the hall. The more timid children then took over and were easily able to pull the trolley with two children in it - even the two-and-a-half year olds. Pushing was more difficult as it went in the opposite direction to which you were pushing and it was hard to keep straight. The cart's arm was long enough to be a good height for adults to push without straining their backs. My only concern was that the children would crash into things or run over people's toes in their excitement. The cart's chassis is made of steel, which made it completely stable when children were climbing in and out of it. It's an expensive but quality product.'

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MY FIRST BALANCE BIKE

REFLECTIONS ON LEARNING

AGE: 21/2-6 yrs

PRICE: £54.99

CONTACT: 01732 773399, www.reflectionsonlearning.co.uk

A balance bike made from lightweight beech ply and with air-filled rubber tyres, 300mm. Fully adjustable for children from two and a half to six years. At the rear there is a stability handle for adult supervision.

Tested by The Old Station Nursery, Faringdon, Oxon

'The bicycle was introduced during group time. One child asked where the pedals were. So staff explained it was a balance bike and how to use it and the children were taken outside to have a go one at a time. We then discovered it was too difficult for the two- to three-year-olds to use and even some three- to five-year-olds. One child, who easily got to grips with the bike, called it a 'Wonder Bike'. The children commented on how uncomfortable the seat was. Staff thought it was a good idea and could see how it could help a child learn to ride a bike alone, but we didn't think it was safe for under-threes because of the difficulty in using it. The tyres went flat after a week and the back wheel came off, leaving washers and bolts on the playground.'

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All prices exclusive of VAT and post/packaging

BEST BUY

This classic foot-to-floor fire engine by Radio Flyer, which has a shiny, all-steel body and a honking horn, is ideal for children aged one and a half to four years. The steering wheel turns the front wheels, and all four wheels are steel with rubber tyres. There is a foldaway foot rest and a removable push handle that adjusts to four positions, making adult pushing easy. For more details and stockists, visit www.thewagoncompany.co.uk.

For more equipment reviews, go to www.nurseryworld.co.uk/go/equipment/.