Are all NURSERIES OBSESSED WITH FRESH AIR or is it just mine?????

[drosophila]

DD's nursery is very regimented I think. They obviously have a time in the day when the kids play out door on an all weather surface. I am getting a bit pissed off with this as I think it's too bloody cold some days and the children are not as active as if they were going for a walk. They are just playing with the usual garden type toys.

I get the impression that the woman who runs the nursery has some view about children having to get a blast of fresh air whether they want it or not. Anyone have a similar experience?

DD is getting over a cold and while I think she may be fine to attend nursery I don't think she is ok to spend a couple of hours outside.

I live in Budapest and the children in DS's school play outside 3 times a day, except if it is raining (and then the teachers are frazzled at the end of the day!).

Last year in a particularly cold spell I did ask why they were still going outside and was told the it helps to prevent bugs going around the school more. It does make sense to me and although DS gets the odd cold now (he is in Year 1) he doesn't get nearly as many as when he was in Nursery. I am assuming it's because his immune system is better.

I'm guilty of this as a sahm. I am obsessed with my dses getting fresh air and we go out for a walk every single day - rain or shine, hot or cold. We're lucky as we live in the New Forest and have some lovely walks on our doorstep. Ds1 wears his coat, a hat and wellies and jumps in puddles if it's wet. He's occasionally soaked through by the end of his walk but we come home, get changed and keep warm.

I always thought that it's the contrast between CH inside and the temperature outside that causes the problem. Unless it is really cold central heating is more of a problem than being outside. CH dries the nasal passages and can lead to sore throats and sneezing etc. I have to say that mine rarely have colds so maybe that influences my attitudes.

However if you are concerned couldn't you tackle the key worker?

Actually joelallie that is the issue I have with my DD's nursery. The temperature it is kept at is far too hot. DD persuaded me to let her go in a fleece jumper today (just a £2 one from Asda so not very thick) and she will be far too hot despite having no vest on. Last time I went to collect her when she wore it she was literally sweating.

i believe in fresh air every day at nursery.
ofsted are very big on outside play and if they visit and the children do not go out then this will be a black mark against them.
the early years teams who fund nursery education are also very big on outside play.
when it is mild we have our door open (all safe and secure) and the children can choose if they wish to go outside or not.
outside play does not mean bikes slides etc
it also can mean jigsaws, sand, water etc all activities inside can be done outside.
sometimes especially boys, do not wish to do paper activities, but let them outside with a pencil and paper and theyll soon be measuring and getting involved in mark making skills.
now it is cold weather we are opening the door for about an hour unless it is raining. again the children choose if they want to go outside.
the staff take turns on playground duty.
if it is freezing then the door is shut.
but there will be 2 play sessions for about 20 mins outside.
outside play is vital
fresh air
sunshine vitamin d etc
social skills
children enjoying their day
burning off energy
sleeping better
eating better
last but not least, behaviour is better so staff are happier in their job.
Last week one day the children didnt go out, at lunch time i wondered why all the children were climbing the walls, when i found out they hadnt been outside it explained it all.

if you do not want your child to go outside please tell the nursery, they will try to accomodate you, you must also tell your child, as they will feel left out and excluded if everyone else goes outside.
sorry to go on a bit, but i really believe in outside play.

Drosophilia -you mentioned that someone had said that not all nurseries have a high rate of absenteeism. I think you might have been refering to my post about the Ofsted report saying that not a single child had been off sick in six months. The point I was making is that it was this nursery where they are outdoors nearly all day even in the rain and have an exceptional attendance record

OK!!! I am not against fresh air!!!

I am against TOO much time spent inactivly in chilly weather!!!

I take DD out every day when I am at home!!!!!!!

I wouldn't mope around in chilly weather. I would be active, walking or running. The kids don't seem active enough.

I have DS out every day at least once, and even if its cold/rainy I try and get him out for a short walk in the pram so i prefer a nursery to get them outside. However I wouldn't be keen on him being outside in the rain - I know from experience that DS can get chilled through very quickly when cold and wet.

I wrap him up very warmly for nursery though, i bought some great high necked body suits which go under his shirt and jumper, he also always has a full change of clothes - tshirt, jumper, trousers and socks in case he gets wet.