Useful Resources
Loose Parts Play
When resourcing an outdoor environment it is important to have a range of materials including real objects which children can use in a variety of ways and for different purposes. Natural materials are the best resources as they can ignite children’s curiosity and encourage multi-sensory, open-ended play. By including recycled materials such as tubing, beads, fabrics and metal you will help children to transform everyday objects into their own creations. Other loose parts such as boxes and crates, tree stumps and wooden planks help children to use their imaginations and create their own play spaces. There is more potential in these than any plastic toys. Useful websites: Children’s Scrap Store Let the Children Play Further reading: Loose Parts Inspiring Play in Young Children by Lisa Daly & Miriam Beloglovsky Loose Parts 3: Inspiring Culturally Sustainable Environments Paperback by Lisa Daly & Miriam Beloglovsky – 3 Apr 2018
Downloads
RSPB Every Child Outdoors publication
National Trust, Natural Childhood publication
Oudoor Play and Learning Recommended Reading List
Provision for Learning Outdoors for Under Fives, State of the Nation survey, Final Report, February 2016
Forest of Avon Trust
Irresistible Learning
Peter Moorhouse – Early Years
Outdoor play space risk-benefit assessment – Kindly provided by Redcliffe Nursery School and Children’s Centre
Early Learning Contacts
Nicola Theobald, Lead for Early Years Partnerships
Kate Hubble, Early Years Improvement Officer
Kate Irvine, Early Years Improvement Officer, Early Years Consultant
Beth Osborne, Early Years Consultant
Ali Carrington, Early Years Consultant