ABSTRACT
“The freedom of the great outdoors” considers the role of outdoor play within a holistic programme of education and care for children under 5. It assists readers to address the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and it takes a critical and reflective approach to the role that outdoor play is allocated within the framework. Particular attention has been paid to facilitating children’s free and explorative play in the outdoor environment and how this is viewed within a “curriculumised” environment. The chapter recognises the potential for the outdoors to offer a rich experiential environment in which all children, from birth to 8 years, can develop holistically.
