Quality Outstanding Childcare
I am a member of the Forest Childcare Association:
With an ethos similar to the Scandinavian Childcare provision – it actively encourages time spent outdoors for children; being taken to parks, fields, playgrounds, woodland areas, forests and wild spaces (including beaches). These outings enable me as a childcare practitioner to provide opportunities to spend time appreciating the beauty, fun, danger and excitement of a space. Where the children can begin to make judgement calls and safely experience some risk taking, and some critical thinking (if the risk did not go too well)! There are many benefits to playing outside, including the physical aspect of moving through more space and the use of different resources. It also allows communication to develop – where the child may see themselves as unfiltered in a more exposed area. Experiencing nature and wildlife, both green and blue spaces is a good grounding experience for their mental health development in the future. |