It is important for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to have access to outdoor play areas for several reasons:
- Physical Development: Outdoor play areas allow children to engage in physical activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and playing with balls or other outdoor equipment. This helps them develop their gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
- Sensory Stimulation: The outdoors provide a rich sensory environment with opportunities to explore natural materials such as sand, water, grass, and trees. This helps children with sensory processing difficulties to regulate their senses and develop their sensory integration skills. Which is why planting is also part of our plan.
- Social Interaction: Outdoor play areas provide opportunities for children to interact and play with their peers. This helps them develop their social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and communicating with others. It also allows families to play together no matter what their needs are.
- Emotional Well-being: Outdoor play areas provide children with a sense of freedom and independence. This helps them build their self-esteem and confidence, which is especially important for children with SEND who may struggle with these aspects of their development.
- Learning Opportunities: Outdoor play areas provide opportunities for children to learn about nature, science, and the environment. This can be especially important for children with SEND who may benefit from experiential learning opportunities. We will be looking to support local organisations to provide a program of events at the park.
Overall, outdoor play areas are essential for the holistic development of children with SEND. They provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore, learn, and develop their physical, sensory, social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
