Nursery World - Outdoor CPD: Part 3

How can early years settings build practitioners’ confidence in making the most of learning opportunities outdoors? Gabriella Jozwiak reports

Hands-on experience is a good way for practitioners to learn

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.’ So famously wrote fellwalker and author Alfred Wainwright. And while poor weather is one reason early years practitioners can be reluctant to teach outdoors, trainers in the subject say addressing low confidence and building core outdoor competencies involves more than just providing wellies and a waterproof coat.

Early Years Outdoor Learning trainer Jackie Slaughter says one of the main reasons early years practitioners can lack confidence in delivering outdoor learning is simply because early years qualifications traditionally exclude it. When a person chooses to work in the industry, they rarely envisage delivering teaching outside. ‘It’s seen as not having the same weight as indoor learning,’ she says. ‘People perceive that indoors is where the learning takes place because that’s where most practitioners are confident.’

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included