A Scottish primary school has received Froebel Trust funding to develop their whole school approach to outdoor play.
Project Summary
The educators at this primary school in Falkirk aim to develop children's outdoor play experiences in their setting by providing staff with additional training on outdoor play.
The main aspect of Froebelian practice which the school hopes to develop is the quality of the children's outdoor play experiences.
At present, the children have (on average) 4 experiences throughout the year to be outdoors, learning in the community. Within the school day, the doors are sometimes open for free flow play (mainly during the spring and summer terms).
The school's teachers are aware of the benefits of outdoor play opportunities, but are not sure how they can offer increased time and space for children to play and explore outside.
The school has identified that teachers lack the confidence needed to provide children with more play opportunities outdoors. The school staff feel they would be empowered if they received high quality training.
The school are keen to include regular wooded walks in their provision - and have already bought clothing resources for classes to do this. However, these are not being used to maximise outdoor learning opportunities - as staff feel they don't yet have the necessary qualifications and skills.
A Froebel Trust grant will enable the staff to be trained and to develop a whole school approach to outdoor play at Maddiston Primary School.
A final report about this project will be shared here in December 2023.
Children and nature
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