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THE POTENTIAL OF A PUDDLE

By: Claire Warden
Mindstretchers, Perthshire. 2005
Paperback, 64 pages
Recommended retail price:$59.95
ISBN: 0 954488 35 0

Claire Warden presents a very persuasive argument for children to have regular access to a natural outdoor area. She believes that this will allow children a sense of freedom, experience of the weather, sensory experiences, room to move and an positive attitude to the environment and biodiversity and last, but not least, enjoyment. She goes on to show how to create, resource and plan for effective outdoor learning and how to include all stakeholders in the planning, care and use of the environment. She gives very practical suggestions about access, layout and risk assessment. She strongly advises that each centre have a policy on outdoor play, which reflects the users understanding and commitment to the learning potential, care and maintenance of the area. A step by step guide to the process of developing a policy is given. She concludes the book with a number of case studies showing how centres have developed a more natural outdoor play area and how children, staff and parents have reacted to those changes.

This publication is an inspiration for anyone who believes that childhood should be given time for exploration, wonder and joy. Warden uses many photos to illustrate her points and shows how, even with adverse weather conditions, children can enjoy daily access to an outdoor play space. The book is easy to read with beautiful photos which illustrate the many ideas and suggestions. This is a useful publication for management, staff and parents.

Helen Inglis

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