Outdoor Play in the Early Years: Management and innovation (second edition). Edited by Helen Bilton. (David Fulton, 15, 020 8996 3618). Reviewed by Kathryn Solly, headteacher at Chelsea Open Air Nursery School, London
This book is a must-have for any early years setting and should also be a priority for the whole of the Foundation Stage, which the author has had the sense to include in this second edition. The book is a celebration of a neglected area of the early years curriculum, which should be based in soundly established principles in each setting. She links these principles to the Early Learning Goals and provides some examples of planning and observation, which enable good practice to continue outside.
She clearly sets out a framework for professionals to analyse their practice and develop their outdoor provision. The book is richly based in a sound, easy-to-read background of what types of play there are, and what should be provided for learning and teaching to be effective across the whole curriculum, as well as those critical organisational and management issues.
The basis of the book is strongly founded in the historical roots of early years education. It also provides a clear idea of different features of design and layout especially in relation to fixed and movable equipment.
The author gives real examples of the actual setting up of learning areas outside to enable effective learning to occur with or without adult supervision. This is set alongside the context of the ways in which young children learn through movement, play and sensory experience in a flexible but continuous daily response in order to make the most of play opportunities the year round. The case scenarios also stress how the structure of the day influences the depth of children's learning outdoors.
Helen Bilton has also effectively researched adults' role in outdoor play.
She stresses their importance in conveying value messages by what and how they get involved in outdoor learning based on recent research. All of this combines to make an easy but fascinating read, which will help any setting to start to audit and improve outdoor play. She also strongly relates the importance of outdoor play to present day issues such as boys' underachievement and inclusion, and gives useful contact addresses.