Obviously, the 13,000 of prizes generously donated by Keep it Kool, NES Arnold and LTL are a big draw. But what also shines through is a real understanding of just how important outdoor play is for young children's learning and development, and a strong desire to provide high-quality experiences. Many entrants have obviously used the Outdoor Challenge as inspiration and motivation to move forward with plans for improvement.
Different settings face different challenges in providing a good early years outdoor environment. Schools may have a barren playground and lack of free-flow access. Private nurseries may have a pretty garden but limited opportunities to bring the curriculum outside. Pre-schools may be in borrowed premises. Perhaps most worrying are the children's centres where huge amounts have been spent on a gorgeous new building, but little funding or thought put towards developing the outdoor space to the same standard.
It is further proof that high-quality outdoor provision should be mandatory for new-build children's centres, and that a more rigorous approach should be taken under the new Early Years Foundation Stage.