Why is outdoor play an essential part of early childhood education? In Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nurseries, spending time outside gives children new experiences that support their growth. Running, climbing, and exploring natural surroundings add variety to daily learning.
Read here about the different ways outdoor play benefits young children in an Early Years Foundation Stage nursery.
Physical development through movement:
Outdoor spaces encourage children to move in different ways. Running across open areas, balancing on beams, and climbing on play equipment improve strength and coordination. Simple activities like throwing and catching a ball or jumping over obstacles also develop motor skills. These movements build confidence and encourage active play.
Social skills in a natural setting:
Playing outside brings children together in new ways. Games that involve teamwork, such as chasing, hide-and-seek, or building with natural materials, encourage interaction. Children learn to share, take turns, and communicate with others. These activities create a sense of connection and improve social confidence.
Exploring nature and the environment:
Outdoor play introduces children to the people around them. Observing birds, collecting leaves, or feeling different textures like sand, grass, and mud makes learning more interactive. Looking at changes in the weather or watching insects move across a surface encourages curiosity. These small discoveries help children recognise patterns in nature.
Creative play in open spaces:
Being outside allows children to use their imagination in different ways. Sticks, stones, and leaves can become tools for storytelling or pretend play. Drawing shapes in the sand, building small structures, or making patterns with natural objects encourage creativity. This kind of play lets children express ideas in a free and open setting.
Building confidence and independence:
Outdoor environments give children the freedom to explore. Walking across uneven ground, climbing small structures, or finding a new way to complete a task allows them to take small risks in a safe setting. These experiences build decision-making skills and encourage children to try new things without fear.
Fresh air and well-being:
Spending time outside gives children fresh air and space to move freely. Natural light and open surroundings create a relaxed atmosphere that supports emotional well-being. Simple activities like listening to birds, feeling the breeze, or lying on the grass provide moments of calm during a busy day.
