Breaking out of the classroom

BEST PRACTICE

Alliance early years development officer Rebecca Elsom explores the link between outdoor learning and the EYFS, and shares information about the Alliance’s new in-house training packages

Rebecca is responsible for writing and delivering CPD resources that support best practice for early years providers

The outdoors is such a magical place to be and for children to learn, with endless opportunities for awe and wonder of the natural world as well as chances for children to express themselves freely.

How does the outdoors relate to the EYFS?

The Early Years Foundation Stage tells us that “providers must provide access to an outdoor play area” (DfE, 2024) – but what it doesn’t tell us is why.

Yet, the outdoors offers children the chance to explore learning in a way that is unique and different to that of an indoor environment; they get to experience the weather, witness nature first-hand, and follow their natural curiosity about the world around them.

Though it provides opportunities to support children’s physical development as they run, jump, climb, begin to crawl or walk on different surfaces, the outdoors also has other, wider benefits. Research has shown that being outside can contribute to bone development, stronger immune systems, improved eyesight, as well as support resilience, wellbeing, and mental health, along with much more.

Besides all of that… being outside is fun!

Learning to love the outdoors

So, how can we ensure that love of the outdoors is instilled in our youngest children? Well, it starts with our own enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors. If we see it as fascinating, exciting and interesting, if we recognise how the outdoors can help us to feel calmer or healthier, and if we see the possibilities rather than the barriers, then we can share these attitudes with the children.

As early years providers, you’ll be aware of the EYFS’ overarching principles – one of which is enabling environments. When we think of this term, are we considering how our outdoor environments are as ‘enabling’ for children’s learning as our indoor environments? Do we encourage the same level of discovery, investigation, and curiosity to take place whilst children are outside? We don’t need to have extravagant outdoor furniture or climbing equipment, or even a significantly sized outdoor area to make an enabling learning environment – we can use what nature has provided us.

If you are wanting to expand your expertise around supporting children’s learning outdoors, or perhaps have a planned inset day set aside for continuous professional development, then we have something you may be interested in…

“ The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky ”

Margaret McMillian

We are very excited to share with you our new Bespoke In-House Outdoor Learning Packages – an extension of our existing in-house training offer, which has been designed to inspire early years providers to enhance the outdoor learning opportunities that they create for their children. Providers can choose from a selection of courses ranging from one to two hours to create a full-day or half-day bespoke package that exclusively meets their individual training requirements. These courses will be delivered in person and, if possible, in an outdoor space of your choosing.

As with all of our bespoke in-house training, these packages offer providers the flexibility to select the content based on the needs of their provision, along with consistency in ensuring that everyone is hearing the same message at the same time and can move forward together with implementing learning into practice.

Through our suite of outdoor learning courses, we will delve into the benefits of outdoor learning; from promoting physical health and wellbeing to nurturing creativity, critical thinking and social skills. The outdoors is the perfect canvas for holistic development. Our courses are designed for the whole early years sector from childminders and nurseries to those delivering baby and toddler groups for families.

The course options to begin creating your packages are:

• An introduction to outdoor learning in the early years [mandatory] – This initial session outlines the wide range of benefits of being outdoors on children’s health, wellbeing and development. We will discuss some of the potential challenges and barriers that early years providers face when attempting to enhance children’s experiences of the outdoors, considering ways to overcome them.

• Engaging families in outdoor learning – delivering outdoor baby and toddler groups.

• Developing and utilising small outdoor spaces

• Gardening in the early years

• An introduction to beach school practice

• An introduction to forest school practice

• Outdoor play - is it really a risk?

• Outdoor learning opportunities for children birth to two years

To find out more about this offer and what each course option consists of, please visit the Alliance’s in-house training page, where you will also find our ‘In-house Outdoor Learning Enquiry Form’ to register your interest: bit.ly/in-house-training-May24.

We are taking enquiries and bookings immediately, for delivery dates to begin from the end of August 2024.

Step outside with us, breathe in the fresh air, and get ready to open your hearts and minds to the endless learning opportunities the natural world offers. Let us, as educators of young children, ignite a love for nature and sow the seeds of a future generation connected to the world around them!

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