Going out for walks

[bonkersLFDT20]

Until the last couple of weeks, my DS (nearly 3)goes on many walks while at nursery. We are lucky enough to be based on a beautiful campus which gives the children a safe and fun environment to explore.

Recently I've been told on collecting him that he didn't want to go for a walk preferring to stay and play at the nursery.

I let this drop a couple of times, but then asked that he be taken on a walk anyway. He needs his fresh air and exercise.

This week he's been in nursery three days and been for walks on two of those (they don't do every day anyway), but I've just seen his little chums out and been told that he didn't want to come.

Would it be appropriate for me to tell his KW I want him to go out for a walk at every opportunity available to him, not that he be asked?

They do have free access to an enclosed play area most afternoons so he does get some fresh air most days, but it's just not the same as free outside roaming.

He always enjoys himself when he's outside, but right now he's really, really enjoying his indoor imaginative play. The children who don't go outside also benefit from the room being quieter for a while.

bump

Yes! If children refuse to go on walks at my nursery we let them stay with the younger children. However I would love it if any parents told me that they wanted them to go out no matter what as it's what I want children to do-learning outside is a brilliant way and much more important in this day and age. Although a quiet playroom is a brilliant way of observing the child doing many activities too.

Surely if he doesn't want to walk, you could ask your DC what it is about the walks he dislikes?
They won't have left him on a whim, it would be easier for them to take him.
Talk to your DS before approaching the key worker again, to try to find resolution on the issue.

Nurseries try to follow the children's interests, not force them to do what ever everybody else is doing. No harm will come to him not going on a walk everyday, in fact he is benefitting from quieter time inside. I'd let his key worker do her job.

Thanks. Interesting POVs.

I have asked DC, but he's not really able to discuss the issue properly (he's not quite 3 yet). I don't think there is anything specific. It's neither here nor there to the nursery whether they take him. There are always some children who stay behind, whether it's for ratio reasons or because the staff have something they need to do when the room is quieter.

Rita Well, this is why I asked really. You see, we instruct the KW on other aspects of our son's care e.g nap times, what he can and can't eat, whether we are happy for him to join in religious festivals. Surely this is just another aspect of his care.

At nearly 3 I don't think he should be given the choice on whether to go for a walk or not. They can be given choices in so many other things, I just think that getting fresh air and exploring outside is so important.