...The importance of outdoor play and how our setting ensures children are given the opportunity to experience the outdoor. Outdoor play is an essential part of a child’s development and children should be given every opportunity to discover the outdoor environment. As the EYFS states “…a rich and varied environment supports children’s learning and development. It gives them the confidence to explore and learn in a secure and safe yet challenging indoor and outdoor space…” (Statutory framework for EYFS Commitment 3.3) The outdoor area within the nursery enables children to explore and learn in a challenging environment. The outdoor area not only provides an environment to develop their physical strengths but also enables children to learn about the surrounding area, it provides an opportunity for exploration and develop an understanding of the world which they live in. The outdoor area is not just about letting children to let of steam but it is about allowing them opportunities to develop different areas. This means that the odd 10 – 15 minutes outdoor is not sufficient for the children and settings should consider allowing more time. As the ‘Statutory framework for the EYFS page 35’ states “...wherever possible, there should be access to an outdoor play area...” and The Principles into Practice card for Commitment 3.3 suggests that where possible, children should be free to move between the indoors and outdoors. In our nursery we aim to provide a continuous provision which...
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...BA (Hons) Children and Early Childhood (Top-up) J9054941 ‘Individual Practice Project’ Dissertation EDU3049-N Word count: Date submitted: Contents Page Abstract Page 3 Section 1.0 Introduction Page 5 Section 1.1 Research Aims Page 8 Section 2.0 Literature Review Page 9 Abstract Children’s freedom to play outdoors and have no limitations is somewhat controversial in this day in age. There are numerous views whether outdoor play is actually beneficial or not, when it comes to discussing children’s learning and development. In recent government documents such as The Early Years Foundation Stage (2012), references are made about outdoor play and its importance for children regardless of the weather. Potentially, there is an adventure to be made every day when a child takes the classroom outside, and no where offers more potential. Allowing parents and practitioners to learn about the advantages of risk taking but also explore the big wide world can help children gain a better insight and knowledge of world they live in. The outdoor area changes with the seasons therefore presented with more spontaneous challenges resulting in developing the children holistically. This research study is small scale and intends to focus on the importance of outdoor play for young children but also investigate...
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...educators to make sure that children in the centre will not have safety issues, which also make parents trust the caregivers that their children could be looked after properly. In this essay, I am going to talk about all the items on the day care safety checklist and playground safety checklist, explaining why they are important as well. There are many advantages for early childhood educators to set up the safety checklists. First of all, the checklists keep people organized and on task, because they provide the instructions that staffs can follow, which improves the working efficiency. Secondly, As for employees, they will feel confident in safety problems knowing these items...
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...to, before birth and in the very early years will have a massive impact on how they develop holistically, as well as the attachment to the parent or carer. The curriculum is all the different opportunities, activities and experiences that is offered which help a child to develop in their learning. The different methods and contents used to support the child in their learning are vital. Babies are born with a natural instinct to play and learn naturally because of their curiosity and the people who actively engage with them to make sense of the world around them. There are 4 four key principles within the framework and are the main focus for all children’s learning and development. These are:- Rights of the Child, Relationships, Responsive Care Respect The main aim of the Pre-Birth to Three is to support everyone who work with and for our youngest children and their families, by adopting a long-term, flexible, and organic approach for the benefit of every child, promote confidence, inform the ways in which staff support children and families, and improve and enhance evidence-informed practice. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/whatiscurriculumforexcellence/learningthroughoutlife/prebirthto3.asp13/11/2014 Babies discover through their senses, this provides opportunities for the baby to make choices, and freely...
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...Outdoor Learning Areas for DETE Children's Services Centres and Schools (Replaces GP22 dated January 1990) D7 Published by: The Government of South Australia, January 2002 Produced by: Site Property Services Department of Education, Training and Employment For information contact: DETE Site Property Services Asset Policy and Planning Phone (08) 8226 1253 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines Preface and Guidelines documents. Page 2 This document is a part of the DETE Facilities Design Standards It has been produced by the Department of Education, Training and Employment in consultation with Children’s Services staff for the following purposes:− To provide design guidelines for the planning of new centres. − To provide a reference for site managers when making changes and/or additions. − To assist in the assessment of manufactured equipment for suitability in Children’s Services Centres and Schools. This guide is located within the Standards and Guidelines document as follows. P PLANNING GUIDELINES P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 General Children’s Services Centre Primary/Junior Primary School Secondary School Area School Special Education TAFE Landscape and Planting Relocatable Buildings Environmental Design Disability Access Shade Structures Heating, Cooling & Ventilation Outdoor Learning Areas (Children’s Services Centres and Schools) D DESIGN GUIDELINES S STANDARDS S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 R1 R2 R3 R4...
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...world today many children are inside playing video games, watching television, chatting online, or talking on the phone. Even though technology is useful and the use of electronics is crucial in society, children should play outside more than inside because of the many health benefits. Children who tend to play outside more have less health and development issues. Over the last two decades childhood obesity rates have more than double (National Wildlife Federation, 2011). Children tune out and stress out because they are missing a connection to the natural world. Parents are afraid their children will be abducted by strangers, which is one of the main reasons that children do not play outdoors unattended. Strangers exist in every town and city in the world, anytime someone acts out by abducting or harming a child, the result is tragic. Statistics show the sad and frightening story that children are more at risk from people they know. Busy schedules of parents do not permit supervised outdoor play; however, parental responsibility includes managing time to watch or play with his or her children when needed. Parents have the responsibility to limit their children to the amount of time allowed using electronics, and encouraging them to enjoy activities that connect them with nature. Doing so will help the child use his or her imagination in the real world, instead of playing in a virtual world. Many health benefits occur when a child plays outdoors more often than...
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...a place where children grow up and also the place where their learning begins. An enabling environment is outdoors as well as indoors where children are provided with space, resources, displays, accessibility and stability. These are designed to help children’s physical, emotional, mental and health and well-being. An enabling environment is where a child feels unique and where their learning is supported. The environment helps each child to be “a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured” (EYFS (2007)...
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...Opening a Quality Child Care Center A resource guide for starting a business and planning a child care center. Table of Contents: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 First Steps: Assessment, Market Analysis, Business Plan and Child Care Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Finding Your Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Design Considerations and Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Program Administration and Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . 17 Appendix A: Timeline for Start-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Appendix B: Agencies and On-line Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Appendix C: Resources for Developing Polices/Procedures . . . . . 22 Appendix D: Classroom Equipment and Materials List . . . . . . . . 23 Appendix E: Care About Childcare Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Appendix F: Structural Rules from Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Appendix G: Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Appendix H: Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 State of Utah, Department of Workforce Services, Office of Child Care © 2012 Opening a Quality Child Care Center Introduction THE BUSINESS OF CHILD CARE Welcome to the world and work of child care! The purpose of this manual is to provide a prospective child care center...
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...be improved by play. If a child has too little play their development can be affected: Obesity: Play may be the solution to a child’s obesity, as stated by, Thomas G. (2000). Play and Exploration in Children and Animals. Lawrence Erlbaum Association, p. 154, “Young animals living in an environment with a surplus of food rarely develop obesity – they simply play more. ‘Animals play so that they burn up energy that might otherwise be stored as fat... By engaging in energy-burning play, animals remain lean and fit, making them less susceptible to predators. If excess calories were not burnt off in play, then the resulting obesity might increase...
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...Unit 6: Supporting Children’s Play. 1.1 Explain what is meant by ‘the play environment’ Play environment is making sure that both the indoor and outdoor environment is safe and suitable for each individual child to play within. To make the indoor environment of a nursery setting you must be able to provide the correct temperature for each room because you don’t want the children to get too hot and stuffy, but you also don’t want them to catch a cold. Making sure the room is at the correct temperature will make the atmosphere comfortable for the children to contribute positively to their learning. In the summer you should provide air conditioning systems or fans to keep the children cool, and in the winter you should provide heating so that...
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...Windows should be fitted with safety catches if they may be accessible to children this to prevent the children from trapping their fingers but also so no stranger can gain access. Hot drinks/water Hot drinks/water used by children should have the temperature carefully controlled to prevent scalding. Hot drinks ideally should not be taken into areas where children could knock them over and be scalded. Passive smoking Passive smoking means breathing in other people's tobacco smoke, passive smoking is now recognised as a health risk and should not be allowed in areas used by children. Any staff or parents who smoke must smoke in a smoking zone. Kitchen safety Children should not be allowed in the kitchen during meal preparation times a safety barrier/gate should be used in the door way to the kitchen to prevent children gaining access. Boiling kettles, hot liquids and cleaning materials should be kept out of children’s reach. Cleaning materials, toiletries, medicines, etc .must be stored securely in the original containers fitted with child- proof lids. All cupboards should be fitted with child safety catches. Play equipment Damaged or broken equipment must be removed immediately for repair or disposal. Outdoor play equipment can be especially hazardous. Play equipment must be properly maintained and kept clean. All new equipment for permanent installation outdoors should comply with current British Standards. Floors/flooring Floors should be level...
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...Windows should be fitted with safety catches if they may be accessible to children this to prevent the children from trapping their fingers but also so no stranger can gain access. Hot drinks/water Hot drinks/water used by children should have the temperature carefully controlled to prevent scalding. Hot drinks ideally should not be taken into areas where children could knock them over and be scalded. Passive smoking Passive smoking means breathing in other people's tobacco smoke, passive smoking is now recognised as a health risk and should not be allowed in areas used by children. Any staff or parents who smoke must smoke in a smoking zone. Kitchen safety Children should not be allowed in the kitchen during meal preparation times a safety barrier/gate should be used in the door way to the kitchen to prevent children gaining access. Boiling kettles, hot liquids and cleaning materials should be kept out of children’s reach. Cleaning materials, toiletries, medicines, etc .must be stored securely in the original containers fitted with child- proof lids. All cupboards should be fitted with child safety catches. Play equipment Damaged or broken equipment must be removed immediately for repair or disposal. Outdoor play equipment can be especially hazardous. Play equipment must be properly maintained and kept clean. All new equipment for permanent installation outdoors should comply with current British Standards. Floors/flooring Floors should be level...
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...What is play? What is play? The word play is usually used to describe the activities of children from babyhood until the early teenage years. There is no neat definition that will cover all the meanings given by parents, early years and playwork practitioners and other adult commentators - let alone how children talk about play when their opinions are invited. Yet there are some common themes: • Play includes a range of self-chosen activities, undertaken for their own interest, enjoyment and the satisfaction that results for children; • Very young children, even babies, show playful behaviour when they explore sound and simple actions and experiment with objects of interest; • Play activities are not essential to meet basic physical survival needs. But play does seem to support children's emotional well being as well as a wide range of learning within their whole development; • Children can play alone, but often they play with other children and with familiar adults. Even very young children engage in simple give-and-take or copying games with their peers, older siblings or with adults; • A playful quality in activities is shown by the exercise of choice, enjoyable repetition and invitation by children to others to join the play; • Yet children's play can look serious. Players may show great absorption in the activity and disagreements can result from a difference of opinion about how the play should progress. Do all children play? Historical and cross-cultural evidence...
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...and safe indoor and outdoor environments and services. - Every child is an individual and has their own needs. When planning an activity practitioners should think about age and abilities. - Some children have individual needs such as sensory impairments - Family and carers needs should be coincided during planning - Always make sure it is known why the environment has been chosen and the activities the children will be taking part in - Safeguarding children is essential and duty of care is a legal obligation so safety of the children should be well thought about when planning - When planning an activity clear aims and objectives should be set out - There should be clear reporting responsibilities in a setting in order to maintain health and safety When planning an indoor or outdoor activity the factors that should be taken into consideration are hazards with in the environment. To ensure the health and safety of the children, risk assessment should be carried out. Advanced notice of the trip should be given out in letter form where parents will be notified of details regarding the trip. Important information should be shared with the setting such as medical needs of the children. Parents should give consent for their child to take part in the indoor or outdoor activities by providing a signature at the end of the letter. The letter should also contain useful information about packed lunches or food provided. Throughout the day registers should be taken, morning...
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...When I think about play the first thing it comes to my mind is fun and exploring so therefore Play is very important for children because through play children learn and develop their milestones. Play is a word but it gives so importance to the children`s life because through this word (play) children will get an opportunity to express themselves. Children have the fully right to play and discover themselves in their own way and us adult or practitioner have the duty to make it aware that children are not dangerous while they are playing. Play can come in many different ways whether natural or with equipment and children can use their own ideas when they are playing. Play allows children to be more creative and it allows them to interact in the world around them. Play is very significant for...
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