In this study, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and carried out on behalf of Play England, REE devised innovative observation methods to capture data on children's play in three early years settings. Physically active play accounted for on average 53 per cent of observed time, which varied from 61 per cent in the setting with the most to 44 per cent in the setting with the least. The setting with the most physically active play was characterised by:
- a strong ethos of free-flow movement inside and outside;
- open access to a large outdoor space, encouraging children to incorporate the landscape into play;
- more active encouragement of physically active play by staff; and
- more active play with equipment.
The nature of physically active play also varied. Higher levels did not necessarily indicate self-directed, purposeful and sustained play, nor constructive engagement with activities and other children. The proportion of physically active minutes spent outside varied from 46 to 14 per cent, with the lowest level in the setting without open access.
- Amanda Henshall, research assistant, REE. For information, contact ahenshall@ncb.org.uk or download the report, Play and Exercise in Early Years, from www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/research_and_statistics/5215.aspx[Q Q] FACTS AND FIGURES
- 24 per cent of all observed minutes involved physically active play outside; 29 per cent involved physically active play inside; 43 per cent involved inactive play inside only; and four per cent involved inactive play outside only
- For the children in the sample, the proportion of observed minutes involving physically active play ranged from 72 to 29 per cent.
