Outdoor Play Policy

At Pitter Patter Play LTD we recognise the importance of daily outdoor play and physical development. We are committed to ensure all children have daily access regardless of their age and stage of development. Where possible this includes the children having free access to the outdoors, allowing them the freedom to choose whether to play indoors or out. We provide an inclusive outdoor play environment with areas for non-mobile children to freely explore. We make reasonable adjustments where required, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

We go out to play in all weathers (unless it is deemed unsafe) and have suitable outdoor clothing for wet weather.  Parents are asked to provide suncream and hats during hotter weather and we have areas that are protected by canopies.

We understand the vital role that learning outdoors has on children’s learning and development as well as the importance of regular access to outdoor play to keep fit and healthy, develop children’s large and fine motor skills, experience learning in a natural environment and access sunlight in order to absorb vitamin D more effectively.

The outdoor areas, both within the nursery grounds and in the local community have a wealth of experiences and resources which help children to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including independence, exploration and investigative skills, risk taking and self-esteem, all of which support children to develop skills now and for the future.

We take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children through risk assessments, whilst balancing the benefits of learning through ‘risky play’.  This type of play allows children to explore and find their own boundaries in a safe environment with supportive practitioners. Staff are informed of the importance of safety procedures and are trained appropriately to ensure these procedures are followed effectively.

We ensure outdoor play is adequately supervised and we have robust safety checks in place, including regular head counts.

We obtain parental permission before any child leaves the nursery during the day. This includes short outings into the local community. There is more information in the Visits and outings policy.

We plan all outdoor play opportunities and outings to complement the early years curriculum, providing engaging experiences and effective environments with purposeful activities and quality resources that support and follow children’s individual interests. There is a balance of both adult-supported and child-initiated opportunities to enable children to learn and practice new skills, knowledge and behaviours. Where possible, and in line with the children’s needs, we will also often have snacks and meals outdoors and have appropriate outdoor seating to facilitate this.

Where activities take place away from the setting (e.g. in the local wood) then a nursery mobile phone and first aid kit will be taken to ensure the safety of children at all times. A trained paediatric first aider will be present when children are away from the main setting.

We use this policy alongside the following policies to ensure the safety and welfare of children throughout their time outside:

• Health and safety
• Sun care
• Caring for babies and toddlers
• Lost child
• Parents as partners
• Supervision of children
• Safeguarding children and child protection
• Visits and outings.

This Policy was adopted on	Signed on Behalf of Pitter Patter Play Ltd	Date for review
15/07/2024		15/07/2025