Activities & learning

Why Outdoor Play Matters in Early Years

Why outdoor time is important and what parents should look for in a nursery outdoor environment.

โ† All Early Years guides

Outdoor play gives children opportunities for movement, exploration, sensory experiences, social play and contact with nature.

Look beyond the size of the garden

Ask how children actually use the space. A smaller area can still provide rich experiences when children have access to varied materials, movement and exploration.

Ask whether children go outside every day and how the setting manages different weather conditions.

Information checked against official guidance. View the official source โ†’