QI 2.4 p30

We ensure our babies, toddlers and young children benefit from exploration and engagement with natural materials including daily encounters with nature and learning outdoors

QI 3.3 p45

Our indoor and outdoor learning environments and engagement with the natural world offer regular high quality experiences that enable children to explore ideas and materials and to use their imagination freely

p45

We ensure that children access open-ended play materials to extend their creativity and thinking

p46

The learning environment, including the provision of open-ended and natural resources and the adaptability of space, encourage creativity

Challenge question

How well are natural materials and open-ended resources used to support sensory play, exploratory play and creativity?

QI 2.1 p39

Staff embrace a risk benefit approach and support children to safely engage in play to push their own boundaries and build self-confidence

p39

Well-resourced play areas and experiences support and extend children’s learning in all areas. The extensive range of interesting materials, access to nature, tools and open-ended resources enable big scale and small world play. This engages children’s curiosity and challenges their thinking

Links to Health and Social Care Standards

2.27  As a child, I can direct my own play and activities in the way that I choose, and freely access a wide range of experiences and resources suitable to my age and stage, which stimulate my natural curiosity, learning and creativity.