Spaces –

Indoors, Outdoors & Beyond the Gates

What are they?

Children learn and develop best when the spaces and opportunities on offer are stimulating, nurturing and safe. These spaces must include the indoors, outdoors and ‘beyond the gates’ of the setting.

“All children and young people have the right to play and the right to learn as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Children. Playing outdoors enhances learning and is fundamental for children and young people to thrive in health, wellbeing and development.”

(Scotland’s National Outdoor Play and Learning Position Statement, Inspiring Scotland, 2018, p. 1)

“We effectively use the community and indoor and outdoor spaces to maximise high-quality learning. There are well-appointed areas for children to engage in energetic activities inside and out, and for them to safely rest and sleep.”

(How Good is Our Early Learning and Childcare, 2016, p. 20)