Outdoor Provision

[Aunt Sally]

Do many of you working in reception classes have outdoor provision with direct access? I currently don't and was looking forward to gaining this when we move into our new school. I have just discovered that there still isn't and I am gutted as I feel that outdoor provision is an important part of the early years curriculum . I understand not having provision now but to move into a new build without is so disappointing. Has anyone experienced negative comments from ofsted regarding their outdoor provision?

 

Perhaps I need to get Helen Bilton on board.

[Guest]

Gosh! Outdoor provision is a MUST. What does the Early Years Advisor have to say?

[Aunt Sally]

Haven't gone down that route yet but I have been surprised that no-one in school seems to consider it to be a problem. I was beginning to think it it was just me thinking that direct ouside was a must in a new building considering that we are following a curriculum which promotes well planned play inside and out.

[Guest]

Is the problem that there will be no direct access to the outdoor provision or will there be NO outdoor provision in your new build? I don't exactly have direct access but this has turned out to be a bonus because I have a 'transition area' where children can get their boots on/off etc and then go outside.

 

If your new build has no outdoor provision for you then I am really amazed - I know new builds can take a time from planning to building but the Curriculum Guidance has been around for years.

 

Good luck - is it all too late to change things?

[Aunt Sally]

Is the problem that there will be no direct access to the outdoor provision or will there be NO outdoor provision in your new build?    I don't exactly have direct access but this has turned out to be a bonus because  I have a 'transition area' where children can get their boots on/off etc and then go outside.

 

If your new build has no outdoor provision for you then I am really amazed - I know new builds can take a time from planning to building but the Curriculum Guidance has been around for years. 

 

Good luck - is it all too late to change things?

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There is plenty of shared outdoor provision i.e. playgrounds etc but no 'direct access' to an enclosed area for my class as requested.

[Marion]

We have continuous access to the outside area as this is part of our learning areas as much as the writing area book corner or number area are. I would find it very difficult if the children could not access this independently whenever they choose.

[Guest]

i have trouble with my outside area. we have just had a big extention on the building for foundation but i have to go through the other class to get to the outside area, so i have to either not go out so much or keep diasturbing her class. i slao have to send an adult with a group which means when i ahve no support they cant go out. i really wanted it to be more free flow instead of sending a group each time.

its so frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Aunt Sally]

i have trouble with my outside area. we have just had a big extention on the building for foundation but i have to go through the other class to get to the outside area, so i have to either not go out so much or keep diasturbing her class. i slao have to send an adult with a group which means when i ahve no support they cant go out. i really wanted it to be more free flow instead of sending a group each time.

its so frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!

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It seems to me a lot of foundation nurseries/classes have a long way to go before 'we' get a seamless indoor and outdoor provision which is obviously best practice!!!!

[Guest]

We don't have free flow outdoor because of our situation within the school... I have to plan to have my TA out there as I cannot see the children from the classroom, and I only have part time TA! It is a pain - but the only available option. When will Heads learn that outdoor provision is as equally important as indoor? That said I feel we have come to a good compromise and the children are very aware of when out door is available and use it productively! It does make me green with envy though when I visit other settings with their own areas!