“You can hear laughter all day.....children are calmer and settle easier into the environment”
It’s a proven fact that movement and physical activity support child development.
Children who are more active have more confidence, higher self-esteem, less anxiety and better social skills. And positive attitudes towards physical activity are associated with children being happier.
Early years providers (such as nurseries, childminders, and playgroups) are key to supporting children to get more active.
But providers told Rise that funding was a barrier – they couldn’t afford the equipment.
In response, Rise developed its Early Years Bursary scheme.
Early years providers could apply for funding to buy equipment or training that they couldn’t afford – and give children the opportunity to become more physically active.
Key figures:
We gave £5.4k to 15 early years providers.
At least 576 children benefitted from the scheme
Providers bought a range of equipment including:
Balance bikes
Climbing frames/walls
Crawl unit
Gardening equipment including watering cans and other tools
Hoops
Play and yoga mats
Sandpits
Space hopper
Trampolines
Waterproof clothing and footwear (for both children and staff)
The impact
“Children and staff have increased the time they spend in the outdoor environment which is fantastic. You can hear laughter all day which is exactly what should be happening. Due to the increased time spent outside children are calmer and settle easier into the environment.”
“As a childminder we often don’t have the same funding opportunities as nurseries and schools. We are equally as invested in enriching the children’s lives and it has given me great pleasure in seeing them get so much from this grant.”
“We have a higher number of children requiring SEND support this term and the changes to the garden are having a positive impact on their development. They are intrigued by the sensory element of the sand and mud kitchen. The sand is soothing for the children and the water is enticing.”
“The grant has allowed staff to develop an awareness of the importance the outdoor environment plays on children’s physical development and also on personal social and emotional development for children and staff. It certainly came at the right time and it has really changed the way the nursery team views the outdoors”