This book challenges the reader to consider:

• Why outdoor play is seen to be of significance within early childhood
• Whether this view is justified (what are the benefits of outdoor play?)
• The implications for practitioners who may be facing conflicting pressures in their work with young children

• What constitutes ''good'' outdoor provision for young children and babies?
• How do we respect and respond to the young child in outdoor provision?
• How do we support risky play within the bounds of a statutory curriculum or regulatory regime?

"This is a thought provoking book that draws on research to encourage the reader to reflect on the essence of outdoor play in early childhood. Recognising that within our society assumptions are made about outdoors and about childhood, this book challenges the reader to reflect on outdoor provision from a number of perspectives. The outdoor environment matters to young children. This book not only makes the case for outdoor play, it considers what that actually looks like in the UK and internationally, and asks us to reflect on the implications for our own working practices. Maynard and Waters set out to provoke critical reflection and inspire practitioners; they have certainly achieved their aim and this book is a welcome addition to the debate about outdoors in the early years."
Gail Ryder Richardson, Early Years Consultant and Trainer, Outdoor Matters!

Contributors: Valerie Huggins, Sara Knight, Helen Little, Trisha Maynard, Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter, Alison Stephenson, Helen Tovey, Sue Waite, Jane Waters, Jan White, Karen Wickett, Helen Woolley and Shirley Wyver.