to think DD should have spent more than 30 minutes outside at nursery today?

[RunningOutOfIdeas]

DD is 2 and was at nursery from 8am until 5.30pm today. When I picked her up I found out that her age group had been in the nursery garden for 30 minutes this afternoon. They did not go outside at all in the morning.

The nursery garden has plenty of trees to provide shade and there is also an awning, so I don't think it was too hot for them.

When DD is at home and the weather is good, we spend as much time as possible outside. So I suppose I expect the same to happen at nursery. I am wondering whether I should say anything to the nursery manager. Should I?

[justwhen]

Well having worked in Early Years very recently I thought the idea was to spend as much time outside as poss!!

[websticks]

Yes, I work in a nursery and we have an open door policy the children can play out all day in any weather. It is part of the EYFS and all nurserys should be doing it.

[Goblinchild]

Why not ask nicely, and see if you accept their reasons?
Then you can get grumpy if their reasons aren't good enough for you.

Had Sports Day last week, in blazing sun. Asked parents to provide a water bottle, hat and sun protection for their children. Around 60% bothered. But if they'd had heatstroke, the teachers would have got a kicking, so we sorted it out for them. Perhaps it's easier to keep one child in the shade than 30?

[WoodlandFaerie]

YANBU.

DD probably only spent 30 mins inside today. When the weather is like this, they do everything outside, including painting/drawing, drama and ballet. They bring all the indoor play outside, bricks/cooking corner etc.

They have tons of water play too, and plenty of shade. The kids just run, and play.

So no, not at all unreasonable to want that. And surely it is easier for the carers too

[potplant]

When mine were at nursery unless it was pouring down they spent at least 30 minutes outside. And on warm days they only went in for naps and food.

It was a very shady garden, they had more suncream than Boots and water was free flowing.

[Northernlurker]

That does seem odd. If there were concerns about heat then it would have been better for them to be ouside in the morning anyway not the hottest part of the day.

Dd3's nursery had them outside most of the day and they have the open door thing. They're getting a canopy built next week so the kids can easily go out even on wet days.

I wouldn't find 30 minutes acceptable and I think you should ask why this was.

[LucyJones]

Yanbu
mine were under awnings all day
tbh she looked so hot and bothered I wished she'd had a break inside, lol
but would have been horrified if she had been in all day it'll be raining again before we know it

[gorionine]

Is it a one off or happening everyday? If it is a one of I would let go.

[WoodlandFaerie]

northernlurker our nursery's children go out on wet days even without a canopy (although there is a shelter), the nursery provides wellie boots and full waterproof oversuits for all the kids and we are asked to bring in extra spare clothes in the winter (or they have a bundle there for additional use).

Same with the whole shade/hat/suncream thing. We are asked to put cream on them before nursery and provide a bottle for top up, and also provide a sunhat. On occasion DD has left/lost her hat and I have picked her to find her wearing one provided by the nursery.

[RunningOutOfIdeas]

Thank you for all your answers. The older groups do have free access to the garden, but DD's room does not have a door directly into the garden so I realise going in and out is a little harder.

I know there have been other days when she has been outside for longer (although now I am wondering exactly how long for). We have to provide a hat and suncream, so I don't think concerns about getting burnt were the reason.

I agree that having the children outside does seem the easiest way to care for them. There are slides, ride-on toys, a sandpit, water tables etc. outside.

I think I will ask the staff in DD's room tomorrow why she was outside so little and listen to what they say, before talking to the manager. I will also make a point of asking them how long she has been outside each day they tell me her activities included playing in the garden.