This Taking Outdoor Play Seriously (TOPS) advice for primary schools focuses on prioritising play and taking learning outdoors. Produced ahead of the return to school after the summer holiday in 2020 and the prolonged period of lockdown and restrictions due to Covid-19, the publication highlights the importance of play and playing outdoors during the school day.

The publication covers the benefits of taking lessons outdoors, and things to consider to help make the most of your school grounds for play and learning including:

• Risk Benefit Assessment
• Availability of space
• Keeping pupils and staff safe
• Working in partnership

The outdoor environment provides rich and diverse learning experiences. Play can support the curriculum. Different play zones allow free movement where children can take ownership of their play and learning choices. This document explores how play links to the curriculum through physical play, creative play, natural play and loose parts play.