Importance of outdoor play activities emphasised
08/10/2009 Outdoor play activities and exercise are an important part of children's pre-school education and as such nurseries in Scotland are being urged to do more activities in a natural setting.
The Herald reports that a DVD backed by the Scottish government has been sent to every state and private nursery in the country encouraging them to either improve their exiting outdoor space with new play equipment or find new outdoor spaces in which children can play, for example a local park.
"There are lots of helpful ideas and inspiration for teachers on the DVD, and one of the areas focused on is outdoor play. Not only is that great fun for children, it is crucial for development physically, mentally and socially, particularly during the early years," Adam Ingram, the children's minister, told the newspaper.
A recent survey by the British Heart Foundation found that only one in eight school kids are doing the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
The Herald reports that a DVD backed by the Scottish government has been sent to every state and private nursery in the country encouraging them to either improve their exiting outdoor space with new play equipment or find new outdoor spaces in which children can play, for example a local park.
"There are lots of helpful ideas and inspiration for teachers on the DVD, and one of the areas focused on is outdoor play. Not only is that great fun for children, it is crucial for development physically, mentally and socially, particularly during the early years," Adam Ingram, the children's minister, told the newspaper.
A recent survey by the British Heart Foundation found that only one in eight school kids are doing the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
