Download the PDF of this article
Barely a week passes without another study declaring that being in and with nature is good for our well-being. Yet increases in mental health disorders, childhood obesity and cuts to children’s services seem to speak of an unwillingness to help children engage meaningfully with the natural world. Schools and settings are ideally placed to correct this imbalance – if, as a sector, we embrace a different approach to outdoor play and learning.
Providing natural elements can seem an insurmountable challenge in UK settings, where types of building vary and space is often tight. However, it is possible, and there is much that we can learn from Japanese provision.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here