Outdoor Provision

Outdoor play 

At St Mary's, our reception children have a designated outdoor area as well as their own garden.

Through exploring their surroundings, children make sense of their world, and connect with others. Using our outdoor space, children learn to be resourceful, selecting tools and equipment that encourages them to use their imagination in their play. We allow children time to play independently with others as well as playing alongside them.

Our outdoor area is stocked with tyres, crates, brooms, large blocks, transporting trollies and other equipment which allows children to explore their imagination and express their ideas, thoughts and experiences in a collaborative way. Our outdoor space includes a playhouse, mud kitchen, building area, sand and water area and outdoor classroom where there are writing opportunities and games and activities set up daily. 

The very nature of the outdoor space develops children’s gross motor skills through lifting, carrying and attaching equipment together.