Nursery Without outdoor play

Nursery Without outdoor play

by: bee - 09-08-10 09:58

Hi can any help

I  looking to relocate, i found a premises in a church building (ground floor) a hall with a kitchen but NO OUTSIDE SPACE/PLAY. the location is great for business as it is in the middle of an estate, there is 2 local parks within 10mins walk from the church.

Im not sure if Ofsted will find this suitalbe due to the fact that i know its important for children to be outside free flow

anyone kno of a registered premises without any outdoor space or andy advice on if Ofsted might still consider approvel

Pls help

Many thanks

by: kaz (the first one!)

i believe the EYFS says that isf no outdoor provision is available, children have to be taken on outings every day.

We didn't have an outside space as we are in a scout hq but we fenced the car park and added gates to make it our playground after the parents have left.

by: lizzie (Scotland)

Hi Bee

What you need to think about is are you looking at the premises on a business level only or fit for purpose? There is nothing in law to say you must have your own outdoor area however, as part of registration, Ofsted says ‘ You will need to explain to the inspector how you will organise your premises and equipment to help you deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage and how you will provide opportunities for daily outdoor play.’

Additionally they also give this advice ‘In well-managed settings adults find ways to overcome problems and even turn them into assets. For example, if a setting has little outdoor space the provider may find space they can use elsewhere such as parks and other public spaces. Some settings have to use shared space and have to unpack and clear away all equipment after each session; good providers have developed routines to do this efficiently and create an environment that does not look or feel makeshift and enhances the range of opportunities for children’s all-round development. Children take part in putting out resources and clearing away, helping them to develop responsibility and learn more about keeping safe. Providers also turn such restrictions into an opportunity to give the setting a different appearance on different days, to better facilitate different activities, something that may not be available in full-time spaces.’

Personally I think the element of choice and the ability to be spontaneous is extremely limited for children and staff if you do not have any outdoor space on site (you know what it is like, on a nice day we take the nursery outside however, as you can see from above it is not impossible to ensure that children are provided with valuable and meaningful opportunities for daily outdoor play if this is not available). 

Maintaining ratios can be far more difficult to maintain when the outdoor play facility is not a part of the premises, for example annual leave, training and sickness. Also, in bad weather will it be easier to stay in rather than go out? If you can at least get a small sheltered outdoor area the children will have access to fresh air and energetic play daily if staff are not able to go elsewhere.

Instead at looking at parks alone see if other facilities  catering for children are nearby and try and negotiate with them to share their outdoor facilities, equipment etc.

Good luck

by: bee

Hi thank you all for your comments and advice given, i checked with Ofsted and the stated ike kaz said ' if no outdoor provision is not available, children have to be taken on outings every day'.

Hopefully this should be fine

@Lizzy no outdoor space what so ever on neither side of the building but there is a farm nearby within walking distance and the other two parks as stated before. I will be asking around to share outdoor space if one is available.

Many thanks guys xx

by: Jax

I really think you need to find a different premises. Young children have the right to play outside and the stress of taking them to the park will impact on their development and they will gain a message that going outside is just too difficult to do. With the best planning the implied messages young children gain from group 'waiting, queuing, walking in line, stay in this space, stay were we can see you etc will leave a legacy of its own. That's without the implications of staff level of understanding, mood on the day etc

by: Karie

I had this problem myself when looking for a site, you may find a suitable location but no outside space, I think you should keep looking around or see if you could have some of the carpark, as parents feel this is important when looking at nurserys to put the children in.

by: kaz (the first one!)

I agree. Making our car park a playspace was a huge success for us.

by: Tiggy

Why would any good nursery nurse want to work somewhere with no outdoor space? I wouldn't even consider it.

by: kaz (the first one!)

For some more established settings there is no choice. The outsoor space wasn't a criteria ten years ago so some of us weren't that fortunate to already have one.

There is a local nursery to me, open less than 5 years, that is based above the shops in the high street, they have no outdoor space but say that the town 'is their outdoor space'. The take the children for walks to the shops, library and local park.

by: bee

thank you kaz, i believe that taking children out every day is the best way of learning (knowedge and understanding of the word etc). I think this location couldnt be better for children and family, as must family live in flats without any outdoor space and their children look forward to going outside.

thanks for all comments