WINTER OPEN DAYS: FEBRUARY & MARCH 2025 - Multiple Locations
WINTER OPEN DAYS: FEBRUARY & MARCH 2025 - Multiple Locations
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The Importance of Outdoor Play

The Importance of Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is crucial for children’s learning, growth, and well-being. It gives them the chance to explore, move, and enjoy nature. With more children spending time on screens, it’s essential to highlight the benefits of being outside. Playing outdoors helps children stay active, boosts their mood, and sparks creativity and problem-solving skills.

Children themselves are rarely the barrier to playing outdoors; it is almost always the adults around them who impose these restrictions. Here, we’ll explore why outdoor play is essential for children.

The Tommies Guarantee

At Tommies Childcare, outdoor play is a vital part of the daily schedule. For us, it’s not optional; all children take part in outdoor activities multiple times a day, no matter the weather*. During tours, parents are informed that their children will have these opportunities and are encouraged to provide weather-appropriate clothing.

Learn more about the Tommies Guarantee here.

*Extreme weather permitting.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Play

Playing outdoors offers different experiences than playing indoors. Outside, children can be louder and more active, with activities like climbing, running, and jumping. They can also experience different weather and see how it affects their surroundings. This environment allows children to take risks, challenge their abilities, and learn to work with others, which helps them build resilience and problem-solving skills.

Health and Well-being

Outdoor play greatly benefits children’s physical and mental health. With rising obesity rates among children, getting more physical activity is essential. Playing outside helps children use their energy, focus better, and enjoy unstructured play. Exercise releases chemicals that improve mood; even a little outdoor play can make a big difference in children’s well-being.

Managing Illness

Tommies Childcare understands that children may sometimes feel unwell, especially in colder months. However, we ask parents to ensure their child is well enough to attend nursery. 

A ‘Well Child’ is defined as:

  • Not needing temperature relief medication (e.g., Calpol)
  • Not having a fever
  • Able to join in all nursery activities
  • Having a normal appetite and being happy and sociable
  • Not needing extra staff attention
  • Having normal bowel functions

Children must be healthy enough to take part in all nursery activities, including outdoor play.

Embracing Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is essential for children’s growth and health. Here at Tommies Childcare, we ensure this is a part of everyday activities, allowing all children to benefit from playing outside. By encouraging regular outdoor activities, we support the overall development of each child in our care.

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