With the revision of the EYFS framework and Southwold EYFS outdoor provision being an area of development in the School Development Plan, it has been decided that the outdoor provision has to be maximised to ensure that it meets the heightened expectations outlined in the new statutory framework. EYFS staff implemented changes to our outdoor provision to ensure that learning opportunities outside impact on children’s progress and facilitate clear opportunity to meet the end of year standards. ‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early earning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.’ Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (Department for Education (DfE), 2021).
The findings of the study show that maximised outdoor provision parallel opportunity with indoor provision. All Reception children engaged in the quality learning opportunities provided in the outdoor area. Through carefully planned activities, adult interaction, reorganised areas of learning and well considered resourcing, the outdoor area offered children depth in learning opportunities which impact across the assessed areas for learning. Being outdoors had a positive impact on children’s sense of wellbeing and physical health, communication skills, confidence and offered opportunities for learning new things in different ways and on different scales compared to being indoors. Despite not all children achieving ELGs, the end of year outcomes demonstrated that
all children made strong progress from their baseline with outcomes above national figures.