Providing quality outdoor learning in the EYFS

Understand your requirements around outdoor learning, and see how to get the most out of your outdoor space and how to make sure it complements your indoor provision.

Last reviewed on 30 June 2023
School types: All · School phases: Nursery
Ref: 10225
Contents
  1. You must provide access to an outdoor play area 
  2. Check if your environment is set up to run quality provision 
  3. No time limits for outdoor learning 
  4. Outdoor learning should complement indoor activities  
  5. Think beyond physical development 
  6. Prepare for different weather conditions

You must provide access to an outdoor play area 

If you're not able to do this, you must make sure you provide outdoor activities on a daily basis (unless this is inappropriate, e.g. in unsafe weather conditions). 

This is outlined in paragraph 3.59 of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. 

Check if your environment is set up to run quality provision 

Your outdoor space must be suitable for EYFS pupils. This is outlined in paragraph 3.55 of the EYFS framework.

Use our audit tool to evaluate your outdoor learning environment. 

No time

Read next

Also in "EYFS curriculum"