Free flow play

[Teresajos]

Could someone advice me please. Before the summer break we had lovely free flow play into a well equipped garden the children/parents all loved this as did the staff. Lots of play and independent learning occurred and everything was just fine. Since our return my manager now wants only timed use of the garden with small groups fine don't mind a bit of small group work but we have children crying to get out with their friends and some crying because they don't want to go out. It's really upsetting the staff but he is adamant this is the way forward and we must do it this way. Am I loosing the plot but I thought free flow was the way forward and best practice.

[Ruthierhyme]

Hi, a warm welcome to the site. Nothing I've read suggests that restricting access to an outdoor learning area is either beneficial or recommended.

Has your manager explained why he thinks this is 'the way forward'? and also why he thinks what was happening before wasn't working?

xx

[Teresajos]

No explanation as yet. Just a complete turnaround of routine. All very structured with children having allotted times in different 'areas'. Free play only for about 20 minutes out of a 3 hour session. Then split into groups and 'told' where to go and not allowed out of the 'area' for 30 minute time span.
We have spent all last week comforting clearly upset children with no explanation as to why he thinks this benefits anybody.