Play is a fundamental aspect of a child’s overall development, and it is a critical factor in enriching learning and development. SEN Space acknowledges the importance of play and incorporates play as a key element of the learning experience during our sessions. SEN Space also recognises that many children with disabilities struggle with the concept of play and need extra structure and guidance to understand and participate in this. We also understand the importance of play for all children, and staff will be involved with session planning to ensure all children have their play needs met in a need specific way.

 

SEN Space aims to ensure that:

• Play activities are freely chosen and SEN Space staff will help to ensure that play is fun and enjoyable for children.

• All children have access to a balanced range of play with access to both the indoor and outdoor areas for most of the sessions.

• SEN Space staff will create a play and learning rich environment through the provision of need specific equipment and staff training.

• SEN Space staff will observe and/or listen to the children in the sessions and will meet their play needs in an inclusive way.

• SEN Space recognises the need for play opportunities to be challenging whilst free from unnecessary hazards.

• SEN Space reviews practices and resources to establish how children can best be supported in their play.

• Staff create an environment that fosters opportunities for play.

• Play is used to support and develop our planning to extend children’s learning experiences. It is important for us to recognise the diversity and complexity of children’s play and use our skills and observations to extend children’s learning.

• Depending on the needs of the child, our role as practitioners is to enable and direct the child with play.

• SEN Space helps and supports parents/carers to understand the value of play in the overall development of children, and in particular children with additional needs.  

 

Outdoor learning:

 

• SEN Space believes that outdoor learning is essential to children’s health, development, and well-being.

• Outdoor learning compliments indoor learning and is equally important. Play and learning that flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors enables children to make the most of resources and materials available to them and develop their ideas without unnecessary interruption. Consequently, it is vital that our setting maximises the children’s opportunities outdoors.

• The outdoor learning environment is organised so that all areas of learning and sensory regulation can be met through play.

• SEN Space aims to use our whole environment as an extension to our indoor rooms so the children can freely use both indoors and outdoors. Statistics show that children are happiest when outside and thrive in the natural environment.

• Our outdoor areas are fully risk assessed and are checked daily. Staff follow correct procedures i.e. staff/child ratios, making sure areas are safe, monitoring play, etc.

• SEN Space asks that all parents/carers be aware of our outdoor learning philosophy and dress their children appropriately for the weather conditions.

 

This policy was written by Vikki Benton 30/9/23

To be reviewed 30/9/24