Outdoor play is an essential element in supporting children’s well-being and holistic learning and development. Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence, and self-esteem. At Bonnybrook Early Education Centre accessing outdoor play is a central part of our daily routine and is deeply interwoven into our curriculum. We have an amazing outdoor play space that allows children to engage their holistic learning and offers opportunities to support children’s;

• Health and physical development – having more space to play typically leads to children being more active
• Facilitate improved mood and sleep as spending time outdoors reduces stress and supports Vitamin D intake.
• Development of social skills through unstructured play with other children which supports cooperation and positive interactions.
• Independence and exploration as outdoor play offers more opportunities for challenging and adventurous play developing executive function.
• An appreciation for nature and the natural environment which supports children to discover the seasons, weather, cycles of nature etc.
• Improving sensory skills as the outdoor environment offers opportunities to develop and refine the senses through engagement with nature.
• Supports learning as the children are naturally curious about the outdoor environment.