Planning trips out

This page brings together all the key project elements of thinking through a trip or a visit in one handy place, with downloadable resources for you to plan from, to help you audit your practice, and to write an action plan to develop your practice further.  Where to go If you are thinking about where […]

Your resources

Meaningful learning opportunities relating to understanding the world rely on rich and stimulating resources. Consider what you have Rich and well thought out resources make a real difference to the learning opportunities on offer to the children. They enable children to re-enact what they have experienced, to refine their thinking and test ideas they may […]

Making trips out meaningful

A reflection based upon rich and varied experiences of taking young children out into the Wider World by Kathryn Solly, Early Education Associate. Beginnings There is a big world out there waiting for us all. As a toddler I was taken for rides in my child seat on my father’s bike to the local pond […]

Taking 2-year-olds out

It is important to remember that the world of a 2-year-old is very different to ours. They are hugely fascinated by the things that we might find mundane and ordinary, such as stones, fallen leaves, drains, and people they see regularly. They enjoy being active and refining their developing physical skills. When we plan to […]

Taking 3-year-olds out

By the time children get to be 3 years of age, they are, generally, better at walking and so can walk for longer periods of time. The distance children walk can be built up over time: the more they do it, the better at it they become. Like 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds are also fascinated by “treasure”. […]

Taking 4-year-olds out

Most 4-year-olds can walk faster and further than their younger counterparts. This means that they can venture further afield than the three year olds in a similar time frame. The distance can be built up, with the possibility of a buggy for providing a respite period if the distance is great, by swapping the children […]

Benefits of walking

Walking is a great way to stay active for people for all ages. Particularly for children, walking: is fun and interesting – you get to notice things along the way and meet people in your neighbourhood. is sociable – children love walking with their friends, especially on the journey to school. makes them feel good – the […]

Using public transport

Using public transport can be really exciting for young children, especially for those who spend lots of time in cars, being ferried from place to place. There is always so much to see looking out of the windows on a bus or train and in encountering the different people who will be using public transport […]

Using social media

Social media is a powerful tool for sharing examples of good practice and celebrating achievements – but there potential pitfalls, particularly relating to consent. We have created a quick guide for getting to grips with how you might share your experiences with a wider audience. Download: Exploring the Wider World Social Media Guide (PDF)   […]

Supporting families to support their child’s learning

Since the introduction of the EYFS framework in 2008 there has been a huge emphasis upon encouraging parents to become engaged in their children’s learning. Research has recognised that parents are children’s first and most enduring educators and that improving the home learning environment is an important role of the practitioner. In 2004 Kathy Sylva […]