Block play indoors and outdoors

The project, based at Cardiff Flying Start, explores the flow of children's block play between the indoor and outdoor environment.

Froebel believed that providing children with blocks allowed them to gain knowledge around mathematical and technological concepts as well as being a resource for self-expression.

The researchers worked with educators at one setting to compare the ways children engage with blocks indoors and outdoors.

Using observations and discussion with educators, they identified shared and different characteristics of block play across the different spaces.

Indoors, the organised spaces with clear boundaries and full sets of blocks help children focus and create complex structures, reflecting Froebel’s principles of order Bruce, 2021). However, limited space, noise rules, and tidiness expectations can restrict creativity and large-scale builds.

Outdoor spaces encourage movement, collaboration, and imaginative play using natural materials, supporting Froebel’s emphasis on nature and exploration (Tovey, 2017). Children take more risks and negotiate roles, but challenges include resource durability, weather, and less consistent organisation, which can affect continuity.

"We hope that our findings from this project will provide a resource to support educators to see the value of outdoor block play and develop their pedagogy" - Project leaders based at First Steps Trelai in Cardiff.

A final report on the findings is now available.

About Flying Start Cardiff

Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded programme which is targeted at children aged 0-3 years and their families who live in certain areas of Cardiff. The provision of high quality childcare for children from 2-3years old is the centre piece of the services provided under the Flying Start initiative. Childcare is provided in a variety of settings across Cardiff and the Childcare Advisory Team work closely with all settings to support, develop and monitor quality practice.

This Froebel Trust funded project is based at First Steps Trelai in Ely which is a district and community on the western side of Cardiff. This is considered to be an area of considerable deprivation and economic disadvantage. First Steps Trelai provide childcare to children eligible for Flying Start the term after their 2nd birthday and for 3 terms only. They are a purpose built facility based in Trelai Primary School.