ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the role of the practitioner in establishing and sustaining purposeful learning environments. It argues that it is the ultimate responsibility of the setting's practice leader to ensure that environments reflect high-quality provision. The chapter provides some examples of creative partnerships, to illustrate the potential of this approach to promote learning. The relationship between play and early learning is not well understood by educators or parents. The movement-based learning involved in children's schemas such as transporting, connecting, trajectory and rotation is well fitted to outdoor provision where the space to move and explore safely can be offered. In the right emotional environment, children will feel accepted. Children thrive in the context of the environment and the relationships with others around them. Development Matters provides guidance on enabling environments through the Characteristics of Effective Learning' that underpin the seven Areas of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
