‘The boughs of no two trees ever have the same arrangement. Nature always produces individuals; she never produces classes’
– (Lydia Maria Child)
The outdoor environment should afford lots of opportunities for social interactions and engagement.
It is through play and interaction that children learn skills of communication such as negotiation, co-operation and sharing as well as coping skills such as perseverance and self-control. These social spaces allow for pupils to interact with their peers, whom they trust.
Seating and social spaces may simply be a place to chat with friends or be alone to reflect or simply to withdraw from activity whenever they need to.
The view, more prevalent in secondary school, is that there is a lack of seating and shelter in the outdoor space and this makes it difficult for pupils to relax and socialise with friends.
