1. Outdoor Play Policy

Statement of Intent

At Little Wonderland Nursery, we are committed to providing high-quality early learning and childcare in line with the Care Inspectorate’s expectations, the Health and Social Care Standards, and Realising the Ambition.

We recognise that outdoor play is fundamental to children’s health, wellbeing, and overall development. Children have the right to experience daily outdoor play and to learn through meaningful engagement with natural environments.

Outdoor play is an integral part of our curriculum and is valued equally to indoor learning.

 

Our Approach

In line with national guidance, we:

• Provide regular and frequent access to outdoor play throughout the day
• Support children to lead their own learning through play and exploration
• Promote wellbeing, resilience, and independence
• Encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving
• Use natural and open-ended resources to enrich learning experiences

 

Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Staff will:

• Provide nurturing, responsive, and attentive care outdoors
• Use professional judgement to balance safety with children’s right to take appropriate risks
• Observe and respond to children’s interests, including schematic play
• Carry out dynamic risk assessments
• Model safe and respectful behaviours

 

2. Risk–Benefit Assessment Policy

Statement of Intent

In line with Care Inspectorate guidance, Little Wonderland Nursery adopts a risk–benefit approach to play. We understand that exposure to managed risk is essential for children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.

We aim to create an environment where children can experience challenge, develop confidence, and learn to assess risk for themselves.

 

Our Approach

We:

• Balance potential risks with the developmental benefits of play experiences
• Avoid unnecessary restrictions that limit learning opportunities
• Support children to build awareness of safety and risk
• Enable access to natural materials such as sticks, mud, and water

 

Dynamic Risk Assessment

Staff are expected to continually assess risk by:

• Monitoring the environment and changing conditions
• Considering children’s stage of development and individual needs
• Adjusting levels of support and supervision

Risk assessments are proportionate, enabling rather than restricting play.

 

Examples of Supported Risky Play

• Climbing, balancing, and exploring heights
• Using natural materials (e.g. sticks) appropriately
• Moving across uneven ground
• Building, transporting, and constructing

 

3. Health, Safety and Supervision Outdoors

Daily Outdoor Checks

In line with best practice, staff will carry out daily checks of the outdoor environment, including:

• Equipment safety
• Removal of hazards
• Environmental risks (e.g. weather impact)

 

Supervision

We ensure that:

• Children are effectively supervised at all times
• Staff are well deployed to maintain visibility and engagement
• Ratios are consistently met
• Regular headcounts are undertaken

Supervision supports children’s safety while allowing for independence and exploration.

 

Missing Child Procedure (Outdoors)

We follow a clear and robust procedure in the event a child is unaccounted for:

1. Immediate headcount
2. Alert all staff
3. Search the immediate area
4. Escalate in line with the full Missing Child Policy

 

4. Weather & Clothing

All-Weather Play

In line with national guidance, children are encouraged to play outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions. Outdoor play will only be restricted where there is a significant risk to health and safety.

 

Clothing

We work in partnership with families to ensure children are appropriately dressed for outdoor play. This includes:

• Waterproof clothing
• Suitable footwear
• Warm layers in colder weather

The setting will support inclusion by providing spare clothing where required.

 

5. Hygiene, Health and Wellbeing

Hygiene Outdoors

We promote good hygiene practices by:

• Supporting handwashing before and after outdoor play
• Managing mud and water play safely

 

Sun Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect children from sun exposure by:

• Encouraging the use of hats
• Providing shaded areas
• Applying sunscreen in line with parental consent

 

6. Learning Through Nature

Curriculum Rationale

Outdoor learning is embedded within our curriculum and supports key areas of development, including:

• Health and wellbeing
• Communication and language
• Early numeracy
• Curiosity, inquiry, and problem-solving

Our approach reflects national practice guidance and supports children to become confident, capable learners.

 

Schemas in Outdoor Play

Staff recognise and respond to schematic play patterns such as:

• Transporting
• Trajectory
• Enclosure
• Rotation

The outdoor environment provides rich, meaningful opportunities to support these behaviours and deepen learning.

 

7. Positive Behaviour Outdoors

We support children to develop positive relationships and behaviours by:

• Setting clear, consistent boundaries
• Supporting safe use of resources (e.g. agreed rules for stick play)
• Using nurturing approaches and positive language

 

8. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly in line with:

• Care Inspectorate guidance
• Changes in legislation or best practice
• Ongoing self-evaluation and improvement planning