Outdoor play is a vital element of early childhood education and is explicitly recognised within the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The framework states that providers must ensure children have daily opportunities for outdoor activities, as this environment offers unique experiences that cannot always be replicated indoors. Outdoor play supports children’s health, physical development, and overall wellbeing, while also promoting exploration, risk-taking, and problem-solving.
The Development Matters guidance builds on this by highlighting how outdoor play contributes to the prime and specific areas of learning. For example:
- Physical development is strengthened through running, climbing, balancing, and other forms of active play.
- Personal, social and emotional development is supported as children negotiate space, take turns, and develop confidence and independence outdoors.
- Communication and language skills grow through collaborative play, storytelling, and discussion in outdoor contexts.
- Understanding the world is deepened as children engage with nature, seasons, and real-world environments.
Outdoor play also reflects the EYFS principle that children learn best through active, play-based experiences. It enables practitioners to observe children in different contexts, which provides valuable insight into their developmental progress. By offering rich outdoor opportunities, settings not only meet statutory requirements but also create a balanced curriculum that fosters curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
Animals
At Durley House we are very fortunate to have animals that the children and staff will take care off.
It is vital you read the risk assessments associated with our outdoor animal area before going outside with the children.
Allotment
At the rear of the property, beyond the marquee, there is an allotment area. In this area, the children and staff work together to grow and look after the vegetables.
We like to use these vegetables for eating afterwards or using to create some art work.
Date
October 19th, 2025