What does the Eyfs say about indoor and outdoor play?
Carli Will
2025-06-20 10:28:26
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: 14
We can keep an eye on them and they have always been really good at coming to let us know if so-and-so is hurt. Since Sept, I have been giving them all more choice of in or out, but usually all but one have wanted to be outside. My plan was to have one adult in and one out if there was a split, but obviously if a big majority want to be out, it makes sense to have both adults out and the few 'insides' in on their own. Regarding the children out on their own thing, our outdoor area is secure, and if we are not all out, I have always let 4 out without an adult.
Brycen Gusikowski
2025-06-07 12:53:19
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: 8
The EYFS recognises the importance of outdoor learning and states that young children must have access to outdoor spaces. Outdoor learning plays a crucial role in helping children make sense of the world and grasp the basic concepts of science. The EYFS guidance doesn’t differentiate between the value of indoor and outdoor learning. They can both be equally effective as long as learning sessions are carefully planned. According to the EYFS, outdoor learning also offers opportunities for quiet time and relaxation and can help children find peace and calm. Outdoor activities are usually linked to physical exploration and movement, which helps toddlers improve their motor skills. Moreover, outdoor learning has benefits for children throughout the entire developmental cycle, from birth to 60+ months.
Opal Wisoky
2025-06-07 12:18:41
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: 5
By creating games and providing opportunities for play both indoors and outdoors, adults can support children to develop their core strength, stability, balance, spatial awareness, co-ordination and agility.
Childminders must provide access to an outdoor play area.
If that is not possible, they must ensure that outdoor activities are planned and taken daily.
Providers must provide access to an outdoor play area.
If that is not possible, they must ensure that outdoor activities are planned and taken on a daily basis.
Childminders must ensure that their premises, including overall floor space and outdoor spaces, are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises.
Providers must ensure that their premises, including overall floor space and outdoor spaces, are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises.
Exclusively (or almost exclusively) outdoor provision is not required to meet the space standards above as long as children’s needs can be met.
For this kind of provision, indoor space requirements can be used as a guide for the minimum area needed.
Macey Adams
2025-06-07 08:50:43
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: 6
Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage benefit from spending a lot of time learning through playing outside, whatever the weather. This makes a significant contribution to the excellent progress they make, particularly in their personal, social, emotional and physical development.
Amelie Fay
2025-06-07 07:11:01
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: 11
Play, both indoors and outdoors, makes a powerful contribution to children’s wellbeing, development and learning. Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems. Having freedom and time to play in an appropriately stimulating and resourced environment which is finely tuned for babies, toddlers and young children supports development and learning across all areas. Outdoor spaces particularly provide rich opportunities for sharing ideas and feelings with peers. Play, both indoors and outdoors, is also a fundamental commitment to children throughout the EYFS. In an enabling environment, children choose to play, and are in charge of their play – what to do, what to use, what it is about, whether to play alone or with someone else, how long to play. Playing with others, such as an interested adult who participates without directing the play or with other children, is likely to foster and extend learning.
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