Outdoor Play Policy
Dear Parents and carers
Being outside often allows your child to develop a strong autoimmune system and a resistance to allergies
Outdoor winter play has long been blamed for colds and the flu. Our parents told us “Bundle up or you’ll catch a cold” and their parents probably told them the same thing. But winter play gets a bad rap. Although going outside unprepared for the elements is unwise, viruses that are spread by other human beings cause colds and the flu—indoors.
The indoor circulation of germs and bacteria is much more harmful to your child than playing outside. There are plenty of excellent references for winter safety tips that explains proper clothing, winter health and so much more. With the right preparation and understanding of winter weather, your child can have as much fun in the cold as he or she does in the sun!
Benefits of outdoor winter play:
Breathe Fresh Air
It’s no secret that most parents blame winter air as the cause for colds and the flu. Although the viruses that cause flu and colds are more common in the winter months, the circulated air in closed environments are the main cause of your child getting sick. All of the bacteria, dirt, and other germs simply get recycled through the air vents over and over. The more time you spend inside, the more you are exposed. Nothing is more refreshing than that first deep breath of cold, winter air before starting hours of fun outdoor play.
Strengthen Immune System
As stated above, playing outside allows your child an escape from indoor germs and bacteria. This will not only be good for the healthy bunch; the sick kids benefit from the fresh air as well. Just make sure they are properly bundled up and moving around to capture and generate warmth. Being outside more often also allows your child to develop a stronger autoimmune system and a resistance to allergies. Studies have shown that children in rural areas or those who are active outside have the best overall health.
At Orangutans Day Care Nursery, we are committed to the importance of daily outdoor play and physical development in all children regardless of their age and stage of development and in all weathers, all-year-round. Where possible and appropriate activities will be made accessible to children with learning difficulties and disabilities to ensure inclusive access of the outdoor area.
Children need regular access to outdoor play in order to keep fit and healthy, develop their gross and fine motor skills, experience learning in a natural environment and access sunlight in order to absorb vitamin D more effectively.
Children’s entitlement to outdoor play experiences is strongly endorsed throughout the EYFS framework and early years’ practitioners have a statutory duty to facilitate daily outdoor opportunities all-year-round and in all weathers. ‘Practitioners must provide access to an outdoor play area or ensure that outdoor actives are planned and taken daily.’
We also must have the support of our parents and encourage them to adopt this policy by ensuring they provide clothing for all different types of weather, this will include gloves, scarves, hats and wellies for cold and wet conditions and sun hats hot conditions. We ask that parents and carers dress their children appropriate for the weather for example, layers in winter, vests t-shirts, jumpers and long pants or warmer months, shorts and t-shirts.
Some weather conditions may limit outdoor play but they won’t stop it!
Please click the link below to view the Outdoor Play Policy;
To see the nurseries other policies, please view the about us page