Resources

The Children’s Services Regulations in Victoria changed in 2009 to include that ‘the outdoor space that is provided at a children’s service includes features that enable each child to explore and experience the natural environment’ and further ‘that outdoor spaces include a range of different natural features such as sand, soil, grass, a variety of different plantings and trees…. allowing children to touch and interact with the natural environment in their everyday play’. Further information about these requirements is available from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Play Australia has developed and produced this film, “Not Just Fresh Air and Exercise” with the assistance of the DEECD and the Warrawong Professional Learning Grants, to inspire and support staff employed in early years services in Victoria to create and/or improve outdoor nature play spaces.

Watch the film here which runs for a little under 20 minutes and download the materials below which support the film's key message. Further information about these requirements is available from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.