The research, which highlights the importance of outdoor play and learning in helping children to make the transition from early years education to primary school, shows that opportunities for pupils to spend time outdoors decline sharply as they move into formal schooling.
A team of researchers from Plymouth University, the University of St Mark and St John (Plymouth) and the Institute of Education equipped 32 children in four foundation stage classes with digital audio recorders to record their play and conversations. They continued to follow 15 of the children into year one.
Two-thirds of the recordings took place outdoors while the children were in the EYFS, compared to one-third when the children were in year one.
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