Early Years Playground Equipment
What counts as early years playground equipment?
Early years outdoor play equipment is any quality playground equipment that is accessible for preschool-aged children, typically between two and five years old, but some equipment is accessible for children as young as 9 months.
The equipment must be safe and designed specifically for the needs of these children, taking into account their age group’s physical abilities and cognitive needs.
Early years playground equipment is regularly enjoyed in public parks, as attractions in businesses and community centres, and as play equipment favourites in pre-school and primary school playgrounds.
To help capture the attention of younger children, early years playground equipment can be altered to be more engaging for younger, adventurous minds. Playdale roleplaying equipment – including the Play Train, Play Car and more – teach children to be curious about the world around them, promoting physical and imaginative play in themed designs.
Perfect for schools as well as public spaces, early years outdoor play equipment is both engaging and aligns with EYFS goals, promoting creativity and motor skill development.
Benefits of outdoor play for early years children
EYFS outdoor equipment enhances the mobility of children, teaches cooperation, builds confidence and develops fine motor skills.
Outdoor play benefits children physically, socially and cognitively, promoting:
- Exercise through physical play
- Creativity through roleplay and game creation
- Engagement with the outside world
- Socialisation with other children for the shared goal of fun.
Outdoor play equipment can provide various mental health benefits, including:
- Stress reduction through physical play
- Confidence-boosting through perceived risk-taking
- Reduced loneliness through group play.
There are also plenty of sensory benefits to outdoor play for early years children, stimulating them in a natural and healthy way. By engaging children through touch, sight, taste, sound and smell, young children can learn a deeper understanding of themselves and the natural world.
Early years playground funding
Funding opportunities for early years playground equipment is often advertised throughout the year, available from many different funding pots with varying amounts of funding to be awarded.
For expert advice on finding and applying for playground funding, consult our guide to playground funding.
Early years playground equipment FAQs
Early years playground equipment is suitable for infants (0-2), toddlers (2-3) and preschoolers (3-5) – however, all of our equipment comes with recommended age limits within the product descriptions.
Always check the intended age of the product when constructing your dream early years playground.
Early years play equipment is specifically designed for the needs of preschool-aged children – tailored perfectly to their abilities with the necessary safety features for a child of this age bracket.
Early years play equipment can benefit preschool-aged children in the following ways:
• Improved fine and gross motor skills
• Fosters creativity and imagination
• Builds confidence, improving social skills and self-esteem
• Encourages healthy, physical exercise.
Playgrounds for EYFS children are designed by addressing the needs for children between the ages of 0-5 carefully, engaging children in a safe environment whilst also supporting the EYFS principles of educational play.
Our playground inspiration page highlights examples and case studies on how successful EYFS playgrounds have been designed.
Need advice on EYFS outdoor equipment? Get in touch!
Need any help? Contact us today! Our fantastic team are waiting on standby to help you in any way they can.
If you need help funding EYFS outdoor equipment, request a funding guide today.
