Scope:
Woodlands is committed to ensuring children of all ages and abilities have access to a genuine outdoor space, even with having the active outdoor space on a different level. We believe that there are many benefits to children having access to the outdoor environment beyond physical activity, therefore it is our responsibility to ensure children have it accessible at times that support their learning. The outdoor environment supports children’s social skills and emotional regulation, as well as taking calculated risks. It promotes self confidence, resilience, independence, as well as stimulating curiosity and exploring a sense of adventure. Outdoor play enables children to explore, experience, value, respect, and connect with the natural environment, as well as outdoor learning experiences that support children to gain knowledge about the natural world while developing environmental awareness.
We acknowledge that many families do not have access to outdoor spaces in their home environment, therefore Woodlands place a strong emphasis on children having access to the outdoors.
Implementation:
- Children will be given the opportunity to have access to the rooftop/outdoor area throughout the day to extend on or support their learning development.
- In the event that weather conditions pose a risk to children and educators, children will be provided with opportunities to engage in physical activity, in the indoor playground located on level 11.
- Access to the outdoor environment will be in line with the movement between levels of policy and in addition to rooftop/outdoor access, regular outings and excursions will be embedded as a practice.
- Encouraging children of all ages to spend time in the outdoor environment (including touching sand, grass, dirt or leaves), has potential health benefits and can help stimulate their immune systems.
Role of the Educators:
- Be attuned to Children's learning needs.
- Provide children with access to a range of natural materials to be able to scaffold their exploration skills.
- Providing time, space and open ended learning that facilitates thoughtful and challenging conversations with children that support their natural outdoor world.
- Maintain a safe, inclusive, clean and appealing environment.
- Encouraging children of all ages to spend time in the outdoor environment (including touching sand, grass, dirt or leaves), has potential health benefits and can help stimulate their immune systems.
- Be open minded; educators can use elements of nature to teach various concepts - from science and mathematics to art.
NQS
| Quality Area 1 | Educational Program and Practice |
| Quality Area 1- Element 1.2.3 | Child directed learning Each child's agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world. |
| Quality Area 3 | Supporting Children 's Physical environment. |
National Regulations
| Regulation 103 | Premises, furniture and equipment to be safe, clean and in good repair |
| Regulation 104 | Fencing (exceptions apply in relation to children over preschool age) |
| Regulation 107 | Space requirements - indoor space. |
| Regulation 108 | Space requirements – outdoor space. |
| Regulation 110 | Ventilation and natural light Regulation |
| Regulation 113 | Outdoor space – natural environment, service must ensure that the outdoor spaces provided at the education and care service premises allow children to explore and experience the natural environment |
| Regulation 114 | Outdoor space – shade, service must ensure that outdoor spaces provided at the education and care service premises include adequate shaded areas to protect children from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. |
| Regulation 115 | Premises designed to facilitate supervision, service must ensure that the education and care service premises (including toilets and nappy change facilities) are designed and maintained in a way that facilitates supervision of children at all times. |
| Regulation 254 | Declared approved learning frameworks. |
Related Policies:
Movement between levels: https://woodlandelc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/9219516167311--Children-Movement-Between-Levels-Policy
Sources:
The Educator's Role in Outdoor Play: https://www.signetplay.co.uk/post/educator-s-role-outdoor-play