As the promise of better weather is starting to tease us, it's a good time to think about the outdoor area provision, getting it ready for a new season. We're big believers in sustainable provision so it's less of 'out with the old and in with the new' and more of 'the old can be equally as good as the new' - it might just need the odd repair or lick of paint.

It's time for an audit!

The first step is a critical audit of the provision. Get down to the child's level so you see things from their perspective. Consider...

Is there any broken equipment?
Is the grass, gravel or chipped bark in need of some care?
Are there any resources which are not well used so could be removed?
Do you have areas for growing fruit, vegetables or flowers?

It's always a good idea to involve the children when considering improvements to your outdoor area ready for some spring time play. Encourage them to tell you which areas they prefer - for those quieter children, non verbal or those with English as an Additional Language (EAL), there are still ways of involving them. Children can use an iPad to take photos of their favourite areas so they are still able to have their voice heard.

Make a plan

Once you have identified the changes that need to be made, it's time to make a plan. Your spring clean does not have to be something which takes over your weekend or Easter break. Involve children and families, making an event of it. Here are some ideas....

Contact your local garden centres or DIY stores as they could have some flowers or plants which are going over which they might be willing to donate or sell at a very reduced rate. You could then hold a session where families can come in and join their children in planting.

Does you mud kitchen area need some additional equipment? Ask families to look in the backs of their cupboards for any saucepans, colanders, frying pans and bowls which haven't been used for some time.

Have a painting party! Families (and children) could help with giving your area a lick of paint.

Involve the children in washing up the mud kitchen resources - bowls of water, scrubbing brushes and lots of bubbles!

Think about child involvement

By involving the children in a spring clean in your outdoor area, you are showing them that you value their input. In this way, children feel a sense of being valued and enjoy having some influence over their outside space. They are more likely to take care of this area and show pride in the play space if they have been involved in your spring clean. As you progress, take photos of the children as they collaborate to refresh the outdoors so they can look back on these. It's a great way to encourage communication and language development as children reflect on their experiences and involvement.

Share photos of your spring time outdoor space on our social media channels!