Play Policy
The fundamental importance of outdoor play in children's developmental journey is more crucial now than ever. At Forest Club we provide a unique and enriching learning environment that accommodates free play in nature. Play is one of the most valuable activities we have at Forest Club, and we simply allow children to play, with no specific learning aims or requirements. Do not be surprised if, when asked what a child did at Forest Club, they reply, “we just played”. While children may feel like they are just playing, we recognise the many skills and attributes that they are developing.
The natural environment offers unparalleled sensory experience, fostering exploration and discovery in ways that indoor settings cannot replicate. We encourage children to touch, feel, and engage with the elements, fostering a connection with the environment that nurtures both respect and wonder.
Just some of the benefits of outdoor play include:
Cognitive & Emotional Growth
There is a huge amount of research linking the role of outdoor play to cognitive development, critical thinking, and creativity. Allowing children to explore their emotions and understandings in a free environment contributes to emotional intelligence and resilience.
Allowing children to test their boundaries develops critical thinking skills. They learn to assess risks, make decisions, and solve problem which are vital skills to equip them for future complex situations.
Social Skills and Collaboration
Through group play, children learn to communicate, take turns, and resolve conflicts.
We guide children to work and play together, understanding each other’s perspectives and developing empathy and compassion.
Physical Health
Activities like running, jumping, and climbing develop motor skills, muscle strength and overall fitness. Exposure to sunlight aids vitamin-D absorption and health bones and immune systems.
Activities likes these develop children’s strength, coordination and endurance. Allowing children to calculate risks and overcome challenges boosts their confidence and self esteem.
Environmental Stewardship
Children learn to care about and develop appreciation for their environment through playing with nature and make believing in it.
Developing a relationship with nature has been proven to be a powerful motivator for developing a willingness to protect nature.
Risky Play
Risky play is a type of play that involves a perceived sense of danger or risk. This could involve climbing trees, exploring unknown areas, or engaging in rough-and-tumble play. Risky play has numerous benefits for a child's development. With the right support and environment that a Forest Club provides, risky play can be a powerful tool in developing resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills in children.
Children learn that it is okay to make mistakes which fosters resilience and encourages them out of their comfort zones.
Role of Leaders and Volunteers
Our team are reminded to encourage play and make believe and develop a holistic approach to play across all activities.
They are encouraged to consider their role during play time and question whether or not they should become involved in children’s games.
If they are asked to play with a child or group, their involvement, creativity and imagination are valued and admired by our team. They are reminded to ensure that when playing with a group of children that their primary duty of care remains towards the wider group.
If they are not asked to play with a group, they are reminded to consider whether their involvement in a game is conducive or obstructive to the children’s free play.
Encouraging Play
Our team encourage play through a variety of ways:
Through explicit instruction regarding team games, rules of games, directions for use of toys etc.
Through implicit instruction that can facilitate children’s use of objects or their environment for play, by offering examples of alternative uses for materials.
By saying nothing and simply observing or giving a hand when needed.
By recognising and praising inclusive play practices and admiring children’s ingenuity and creativity.
Through encouraging language and communication that does not impose on play.
Risky Play Procedures and Management
We have conducted Risk Benefit Analyses on risky play and adapt these when necessary to any new forms of play. Our team are informed of the points raised in these RBAs and the procedures outlined. Our team are aware of the importance of encouraging and facilitating safe risky play. Some of the ways in which we do this include:
Ensuring the environment is appropriate: Woodland settings are ideal for risky play with many parts for children to play on and with. Our team ensure that all loose parts are safe, that tripping hazards have been removed or made clear to children, that trees and ropes have been adequately assessed for climbing, etc.
Being present, but not hovering: Our team are always on the lookout for safety concerns and monitoring children’s behaviours towards each other. However, they are reminded of the importance to take a step back, allowing children to feel that they are present for their safety but not that they are intruding or disrupting their free play and flow. Children are encouraged to explore and make their own choices.
Talking about safety: Before engaging in risky play, children are reminded about the rules, boundaries, and limits of their play and exploration. They are advised about the risks that are involved in particular activities or elements, and are informed of any instructions set out in the relevant RBA.
Their efforts are noticed and encouraged: We make an effort to ensure that tasks are relatable and achievable for each individual. Our team are reminded to encourage children’s efforts to challenge themselves or step outside of their comfort zone, regardless of their successes. Children are encouraged to try again when they fail and reminded that their efforts are more important than results.
We trust the children: We believe in children’s abilities to make decisions and responsibly assess risks, and we make sure that they feel this. We place a trust in them that we believe encourages a willingness to demonstrate responsibility, good judgement, and self-regulation.