Bringing Outdoor Learning to Life – serie

When the environment is right, children flourish. Just as ready-made meals don’t create great chefs, ready-made environments don’t nurture independent thinkers.Planning is key to creating rich outdoor learning experiences, where children, educators and the environment can work together. This book supports practitioners working with children aged two to six (including Reception and Year 1) develop a flexible, observation-led approach to planning that places children at the heart of the process. Rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all process, planning should be a dynamic, responsive practice that evolves with the needs of the children and setting. Through practical examples, this book demonstrates how well-planned outdoor spaces support children’s independence and problem-solving skills. Chapters include:The planning cycle – making planning accessible and achievableGuiding principles for effective outdoor learningCreating intentional environments that support children’s curiosity and developmentObservation, assessment and documentation made manageableCase studies from real settings and their outdoor planning journeysFeatures:Hundreds of full-colour photographsReflective tasks and activities for staff developmentPractical tools for creating adaptable, child-centred plansThis book empowers early years practitioners to design outdoor learning experiences that truly meet children’s needs. By focusing on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of planning, it ensures that day-to-day practice is guided by meaningful aims and objectives – allowing educators to spend less time on paperwork and more time engaging with the children.

When the environment is right, children flourish. Just as ready-made meals don’t create great chefs, ready-made environments don’t nurture independent thinkers.Planning is key to creating rich outdoor learning experiences, where children, educators and the environment can work together. This book supports practitioners working with children aged two to six (including Reception and Year 1) develop a flexible, observation-led approach to planning that places children at the heart of the process. Rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all process, planning should be a dynamic, responsive practice that evolves with the needs of the children and setting. Through practical examples, this book demonstrates how well-planned outdoor spaces support children’s independence and problem-solving skills. Chapters include:The planning cycle – making planning accessible and achievableGuiding principles for effective outdoor learningCreating intentional environments that support children’s curiosity and developmentObservation, assessment and documentation made manageableCase studies from real settings and their outdoor planning journeysFeatures:Hundreds of full-colour photographsReflective tasks and activities for staff developmentPractical tools for creating adaptable, child-centred plansThis book empowers early years practitioners to design outdoor learning experiences that truly meet children’s needs. By focusing on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of planning, it ensures that day-to-day practice is guided by meaningful aims and objectives – allowing educators to spend less time on paperwork and more time engaging with the children.

Physical development is the window to the whole child. Through watching children move, they reveal their true selves.This groundbreaking book bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering a deeper understanding of young children’s physical development in outdoor environments. It explores the specific phases of motor development, the skills children acquire and how these are closely linked to cognitive growth.This resource provides clear and accessible guidance on promoting children’s well-being, the links between language and physical development, creating environments that encourage growth, and emphasising the adult’s role in supporting and facilitating progress.Written for those working with children aged 2–6, this book serves as a practical reference guide for staff, offering adaptable resources, or as a starting point for additional study and research. Topics covered include:The importance of physical development.Stages of growth, development and maturity.Creating environments that nurture physical development.The role of the adult.Supporting parents and caregivers.Making achievable and measurable changes.Featuring full-colour photographs, activities and rich case studies, this book equips early years educators with the tools they need to fully support children’s physical development in outdoor settings.