The Scottish Government, together with Inspiring Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and Smarter Scotland, has launched practical guidance for all early years professionals – including childminders – on how to access more outdoor play and learning.
We know the benefits of outdoor learning, exercise and play for young children in terms of their wellbeing and physical and cognitive development. We also know children are more physically active when outside.
One of the barriers to increased outdoor learning is a perceived difficulty in setting up or accessing outdoor space; however, SCMA is delighted to see that childminders in Scotland are leading the way when it comes to outdoor play and learning and have taken a very positive, pro-active approach.
‘Out to Play’ provides practical guidance and advice for early learning and childcare settings and practitioners on how to access more outdoor play and learning opportunities, including land or forest areas owned by local authorities, private landowners or national bodies to create safe, nurturing and inspiring outdoor learning experiences.
Scottish Government's expansion of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) to 1140 hours by 2020 is rooted in delivering high-quality experiences for our children and both our indoor and outdoor environments are key to that.
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Out to Play and find out more.