Garden & park equipment

Requirement:

EYFS 2024 > Safety & suitability of premises, environment & equipment > 3.62; 3.63

EYFS 2024 > Safety of premises > 3.64; 3.65

EYFS 2024 > Outdoor access > 3.68

Exercise is vital to the physical development of young children and playing outside gives the benefit of fresh air and more freedom.

We encourage the children in our care to join in all sorts of different physical activities and provide a range of equipment to make it fun and enjoyable.

Procedure (how we put the policy into practice)

The outside space at our nursery has a large playhouse, in-ground trampoline, water and sand play area, mud kitchen, willow den as well as outdoor learning area. We also have a large patio where children can play.

Although this provides the opportunity to develop new physical skills and enjoyment, it can also bring danger. We believe that children need to learn about danger and risk-taking in a controlled environment.

To make the garden a safe environment and to reduce the risk of possible accidents, we have put the following procedures into place:

• All children will be under constant supervision
• The dangers of the equipment will be explained to each child in an appropriate way for their age and understanding
• Children will be encouraged to take turns and share equipment
• The equipment will be checked/cleaned before use
• The equipment will be checked for wear and tear/ damage regularly and withdrawn from use if faulty
• Children will be encouraged to participate but will not be made to do any activity that they are uncomfortable with, for example the climbing frame
• Children will only be allowed to play on age appropriate equipment

If you have any concerns regarding your child using any piece of equipment in the garden, please do not hesitate to discuss this with a member of staff.

Review date: 31 December 2025