DD1 has just started reception class, and seems to be enjoying it all, EXCEPT playing in the playground after lunch. She has been telling me she didn't like going outside for 3 weeks (since she started) but only last night did I get it all out of her; the reception class play out in the big playground with the rest of the school after lunch, not in their dedicated reception outdoor area. DD1 is terrified! She says she feels scared and lost. There is no dedicated member of the reception staff supervising them, and no 'home' area of the playground where they can gather and find each other. And no older child buddy schemes. She says her friend (that she eats her packed lunch with) runs off and then she can't find anyone she knows, or anyone to play with. She is a confident, outgoing child, no wallflower, and it's breaking my heart to have her sobbing at bedtime, her worries about this small part of the day totally overshadowing the rest of her - mostly very positive - day. We've spoken to her teacher about it, who says it's a very common issue, but didn't suggest any structured support. This really doesn't sound like Early Years best practice to me. Today her dad and I have arranged for an older child we know to look out for her, so fingers crossed it will be a better day. I don't want to wade in negatively with the school in my daughter's first month at school and be labelled the nightmare mum. So what should we do? Has anyone else had this problem? What SHOULD the school be doing for 4 and 5 year olds in a massive playground?