Review

Playing Outside: Activities, ideas and inspiration for early years

By Helen Bilton (David Fulton Books, £21.99)

According to the author, outdoor play done badly provides little for any child; done well and it can help a child to 'think, feel and act'.

The second edition of this popular text aims to equip practitioners with the ideas and practical guidance to ensure all children derive the maximum benefit from outdoors. The text has been updated to reflect the revised EYFS and is supported with 100 new colour photographs. There is an emphasis on finding out from children what they think about the outdoors. For example, who do they think controls outdoors, and what do they like about their outdoor space?

Using case studies, the book explores the different reasons for focusing on the outdoors, and how playing and working outside can impact favourably on children's outcomes.