- Student Records
Programme & Unit Catalogues

Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


AS30364: Young children and the outdoor environment

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1 at Swindon College
Semester 1 at Wiltshire College
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Supplementary assessment information not currently available (this will be added shortly)
Click here for further information Requisites: Students studying this unit for CPD must have at least a level 3 qualification with 2-3 years experience and evidence of own CPD training as well as a current First Aid certificate.
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
This unit will enable learners to critically assess the implications of the outdoor environment on young children's well-being, health, learning, behaviour and development in theory and practice. It will also enable learners to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of issues relating to ecological sustainability and current legal requirements, policies and guidelines regarding health and safety and legislation.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit the learners will be able to:
* Critically analyse and engage with theories, issues and debates surrounding outdoor learning, ecological sustainability, healthy lifestyles and how these specifically relate to quality early years provision;
* Demonstrate a creative approach to the delivery of outdoor provision using available resources;
* Display confident use, knowledge and understanding of risk assessing, legislation, policies and procedures when planning and managing outdoor learning;
* Evaluate the effects of the outdoor environment on children's learning and development;
* Demonstrate an ability to lead or support others in the use of the outdoor environment.

Skills:
Intellectual skills:
* Critically analyse and synthesise information from a variety of sources.
* Compile a working document covering the legalities of a variety of situations when working outdoors with children.
Professional skills: Learners must demonstrate how they would:
* Organise, resource, carry out and manage practical outdoor sessions
* Apply theories to practical contexts
* Competently undertake risk assessments and apply legal requirements and guidance as appropriate
* Plan, use and maintain an outdoors learning environment in an ecologically sustainable way
* Observe, assess, monitor and record children's level of engagement, well-being, behaviour, development and learning before, during and after a set of outdoor sessions
Key skills:
* Critically reflect on theories and values
* Demonstrate an ability to work creatively and co-operatively.

Content:
Explore the nature of risk and challenge within the natural outdoor environment past and present the impact of this on the curriculum.
Consider and evaluate the adult's role, attitudes and values in relation to the outdoor environment.
Consider how the outdoor environment encourages children's holistic development.
Develop parents/carers understanding of the benefits of learning and development in the outdoors.
Promote healthy lifestyles through the use of outdoor learning environments.
Explore and evaluate natural resources / environment and the potential of these for planning and promoting a creative outdoor provision.
Understanding the nature of risk and challenge within the outdoor environment and the impact on learning and development.
Develop a working knowledge of risk assessment, legislation, policies and procedures.
Lead and inspire others in using the outdoor environment.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

AS30364 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Learning Partnerships
  • UDAS-HFB02 : BA (hons) Early Years Care & Education (Work-based Learning) (Full-time at Swindon College) - Year 1
  • UDAS-HPB02 : BA (hons) Early Years Care & Education (Work-based Learning) (Part-time at Swindon College) - Year 1
  • UDAS-WPB04 : BA (hons) Early Years Care & Education (Work-based Learning) (Part-time at Wiltshire College) - Year 2

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.