AnonyMouse_45684 Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 New to the forum and new to my school! Trying to develop the outside area and have asked parents for resouces to make a den making area. They are keen to donate but acting head and secretary(!) have major safety concerns!! Has anyone got any tips how to overcome this?
Guest Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 This isn't meant as a flippant reply but could the acting head attend some training on den making or early years provision in general? Alternatively do you have access to some LA support to back up your ideas to the head? The other option would be to ask for a trial run and to show a written risk assessment of the activity and then the benefits of the activity taking place backed up with photo and observation evidence afterwards. With regard to the school secretary - I don't know how to convince him/her but I do sympathise. Mine is lovely and very helpful but recently told me I wouldn't be in a rush for my outdoor tap because "it's getting cold now so you won't need water until it gets warmer again" - not sure where her early years training was but it wasn't in the same place as mine!
Guest LornaW Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 Wise words from holly35 and we know that children talk more in dens. A den can be made from all sorts of things from a washing line with a blanket over it to a den like this one here! You may also find useful information here http://www.lotc.org.uk/ and here http://www.ltl.org.uk/ and here http://www.mindstret...ndergartens.cfm and I have attached a risk assessment for shelter building that may also give you some ammunition! Good Luck children LOVE den building! Lorna RISK ASSESSMENTS shelter building ra.doc
AnonyMouse_30128 Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 not really sure what they are worried about?? although reading lorna's risk assessment even i feel a bit nervous! would they be swayed by the learning that the children can get out of these activities? or is it a particular element (like ropes) that worries them? Loads of info here..... http://www.creativestarlearning.co.uk/support.aspx i have 2 year olds making dens! They do fantastic big pegs in matalan...really cheap and haven't managed to lose any fingers with them yet!
Guest Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 we just use buckets with poles cemented in for corners and double sheets for walls. then we put blankets/sleeping bags on bottom to be cosy. they do need a good wash at times but it's such fun and use all year round, depending who seems as if they would benefit from this sort of activity e.g. loves to be under tables etc. use big pegs. only danger is pegs which children use for easels anyway - nursery class. and if windy can pull over so don't use when windy. x
Guest Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 I managed to get some empty bread crates from a local shop for free n then we use brush poles n have a box with an assortment of materials in like tarpaulins, voile, sheets, old drapes. The kids adore it.
AnonyMouse_45684 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Posted November 20, 2012 Thanks for all your suggestions. Looking forward to building dens!!
Recommended Posts