Inspiring Scotland’s Thrive Outdoors programme are funding a portfolio of five charity partners to deliver outdoor community play for children with additional support needs (ASN). This programme is funded the Scottish Government’s Outdoor Community Play fund. Alongside delivery, the portfolio are exploring what makes outdoor play truly inclusive.
In 2022-2023 the portfolio of charities from across Scotland have delivered inclusive outdoor play opportunities to over 900 children with ASN and their families. This report is informed by the voices
of 101 families from across the country who face multiple barriers to outdoor play.
Through the Winter Play Survey in February 2023, our charity partners gathered and shared information from families of children with ASN on:
This data was collected through an anonymous online survey and supported by anecdotal evidence from peer support meetings with the portfolio and conversations with parents during online meetings.
This document is a step-by-step guide providing practical advice on how to access outdoors spaces, including land or forest areas owned by local authorities, private landowners or national bodies (such as the Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage) to create safe, nurturing and inspiring outdoor learning experiences.
Read MorePart of Thrive Outdoors downloadable series of resources developed to support outdoor play.. Part 2 for parents! In this week’s guest blog we hear from Deidre a play therapist based in Ireland who shares the therapeutic benefits of play and some handy play tips and activities for parents.
Read MoreTime to embrace getting creative outdoors! This week’s guest blog is from Matt Searles -Head of Learning at Jupiter Artland. In this blog he shares his thoughts on taking a creative approach to outdoor learning and more on learning creativity in the outdoors.
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