Date of Award

2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (College of Arts and Science)

Schools and Centres

Arts & Sciences

First Supervisor

Dr Lara Mackintosh

Second Supervisor

Associate Professor Christine Robinson

Third Supervisor

Professor Coutenay Harris

Abstract

The development, wellbeing and learning of children is of global importance; opportunities that promote healthy childhood development have long lasting social and economic impacts. Play is the primary occupation through which children develop; nature play provides opportunities for physical, cognitive, social and emotional skill development. West Australian (WA) schools are installing intentionally designed nature play spaces (IDNPS) to support outdoor play opportunities and connection to nature. However, there is little contextual evidence regarding how these spaces are designed and utilised to support child development, wellbeing and learning.

This exploratory, mixed methods case study examined how children aged 4-7 years old engage in outdoor play in an IDNPS within a WA primary school. The study combined quantitative data collected using the Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (Loebach & Cox, 2020) with qualitative data from educator interviews, which further explored children’s play behaviours, and educator’s utilisation of the IDNPS during class time. Additionally, interviews with the IDNPS designers provided insight into the design intentions of playable elements and landscaping. Incorporating the professional perspectives of education and design through an occupational therapy lens, this study offers a unique understanding of how outdoor play spaces can be designed and utilised to their full potential within primary schools.

Findings indicated that children engage in a diverse array of play types, and the openended, nature-based design of the IDNPS facilitated play engagement of children of all ages, genders and abilities. The provision of loose parts, specifically water, enabled more imaginative and collaborative play. Educators reported utilising the IDNPS in many different ways to support child development, wellbeing and learning. This study highlights that when the outdoor environment is considered as an active element rather than a passive backdrop, opportunities for children to engage in a variety of play types are enhanced. Outcomes from this research will inform policy recommendations regarding the provision of outdoor play spaces in WA schools. Furthermore, the research design can be used in further investigations and evaluations of outdoor play spaces.

Download Complete Thesis
Files over 3MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

Share

COinS