Use of Outdoor Play in A Children Centre to Support Physical Development and Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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DECLARATION

I declare that the content presented in this thesis/dissertation is, in my understanding and opinion, original and has not been presented for scholarly assessment in the past, either completely or partly, for an academic degree at this educational institution or elsewhere. I would also like to admit that I have studied and understood the principles, prerequisites, processes and guidelines of the University regarding the higher academic degree research award and to my dissertation. I would also like to declare that I have abided by the University's principles, prerequisites, processes and guidelines.

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ABSTRACT

Child development professionals recognize the importance of an outdoor play area with numerous settings for play. However, the outdoor play area is arguably the most neglected aspect of early care and education services today. Natural outdoor environments are of special significance in the lives of young children. There is a body of evidence that indicates that natural settings have restorative effects and are frequently identified as individuals' favourite places from childhood. Today we are beginning to realize the importance if play and a playful attitude toward life, both as an intrinsic healthy human drive and as a means of developing, and growing in a complex and stressful environment. This qualitative investigation focused on outdoor play for children in a child care centre. The present study aims to explore the use of outdoor play in a Children Centres to support physical development and learning in the early year's foundation stages (EYFS).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

1.1Research Aims and Objectives1

1.2Research Questions1

1.3Background of the Research2

1.4Structure of the thesis4

CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHOD5

2.1Data Collection6

2.1.1Semi-structured questionnaire survey from practitioners6

2.1.2Flash Card Questions6

2.1.3Researcher's Observations7

2.2Underlying assumption7

2.3Reliability and Dependability7

2.4Validity8

2.5Ethical Concerns8

CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW10

3.1Introduction10

3.2Outdoor Play in Early Childhood Education11

3.3Advantages of Outdoor Play over Indoor Play14

3.4Outdoor Play and Learning16

3.4.1Multi-sensory Learning16

3.4.2The Eighth Intelligence17

3.4.3Cognitive Development19

3.4.4Social and Behavioural Development20

3.4.5Environmental Awareness22

3.4.6Health Benefits22

3.5Teachers and Outdoor Play24

3.6Summary25

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS27

4.1Semi-structured questionnaire survey from practitioners27

4.1.1Meaning of Outdoor Play27

4.1.2Quality of the Environment in Outdoor Play28

4.1.3Importance of Outdoor Learning for Young Children29

4.1.4Opportunities Provided For Outdoor Play30

4.1.5Opportunity for Free-Flow Play30

4.1.6Activity for Physical Skills31

4.1.7Amount of Time Spent Outside32

4.2Flash Card Questions33

4.3Researcher's Observations35

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION37

5.1Connection with nature37

5.2Environmental Responsibility38

5.3Physical Development38

5.3.1Motor skills39

5.3.2Sensory experiences39

5.3.3Emotional skills39

5.3.4Cognitive skills40

5.3.5Social skills40

5.4Responsibility of Education Professionals40

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION43

6.1Future Aspects45

6.2Limitations of the Research45

REFERENCES47

APPENDIX52

Appendix A: Figures52

Appendix B: Consent form54

Appendix C: ...