Playing and exploring outdoors brings risk – and that’s good for children
This article in The Conversation (14 April 2025) shares research around the benefits of risky play outdoors. The authors note that ‘risky outdoor play needs to be frequent, progressive and to take place throughout a child’s education’ – not one-off outdoor experiences. It also refers to Forest School and residential experiences [...]
Soft spaces out, stick-fighting in
School Outdoor Learning say that ‘kids want spaces that give them opportunities for open-ended, creative play. So often, nature provides and there are times when we can give a helping hand, either way we need to let kids play and take healthy risks.’ They share this Observer article ( 2 [...]
Why kids need to take more risks: science reveals the benefits of wild, free play
Studies reveal how risky play can benefit child development. But encouraging it can be a challenge for parents. Read this article in nature (8 January 2025).
Are our school playgrounds being wrapped in cotton wool?
School Outdoor Learning share the issues around risk-averse school grounds by signposting this earlier article posted in The Conversation (25 June 2015). It celebrates the opportunities provided by loose-parts play.
The importance of risk in childhood play experiences
Read this Play Scotland blog post (7 August 2024) which explores how children grow through the challenge that risky play outdoors offers.
The benefits of risky play
School Outdoor Learning share this new advice from Canada’s pediatricians. Read on and learn more about the changing attitudes to play.
Outdoor practice articles
The Forest School Association latest news bulletin shares this EVC (Educational Visits Coordinator) Magazine summer edition. Set within an England/ Wales context, this includes articles of interest to outdoor practitioners more generally. Read about supporting swifts in school buildings (p 14), Forest School programme principles (p18), biophobia (p20), risk perception [...]
Game-changing new international benchmark gives a green light to more adventurous play
Play Scotland (10 July 2023) share the good news about this new benchmark that takes a ‘benefit-risk’ approach to safety. This promotes a balanced approach to safety in playgrounds and other leisure facilities, and the benefits of allowing a degree of risk and challenge. Read more here.
