What den-building resources does an EYFS setting need?

Why is den building valuable in EYFS?

Den building brings physical, social and imaginative learning together. Children lift, carry, stretch, balance and position materials while working out how to make a structure stand. They negotiate space, share ideas and solve practical problems when a roof slips or an entrance is too small.

The completed den may become a home, cave, shop, reading place or spacecraft. The learning lies in the decisions and revisions as much as in the structure itself. Adults should value the process rather than judging whether the final result looks tidy.

What does the EYFS framework say about outdoor and physical learning?

The EYFS statutory framework includes physical development and expressive arts and design among the seven areas of learning. Providers must also give children access to an outdoor play area or, where that is not possible, ensure outdoor activities are planned and taken daily unless circumstances make this inappropriate.

Den building can contribute to rich indoor or outdoor provision when resources and supervision are appropriate. active, imaginative provision

Which den-building resources are most useful?

A flexible core collection may include:

• lightweight sheets, tarpaulins or fabric pieces
• low, stable frames or purpose-designed den structures
• soft mats, cushions and washable floor coverings
• crates, large blocks or sturdy boxes assessed for the intended use
• safe connectors suitable for supervised Early Years play
• pegs, ribbons or markers for defining spaces
• natural materials such as branches only where carefully checked and managed

Choose items children can combine in different ways. Avoid resources that require adults to complete most of the construction.

How can children take the lead safely?

Set clear boundaries about where dens may be built, which resources can be moved and how many children can use a space. Model safe carrying and show children how to test whether a structure is stable. Remain close enough to respond while allowing time for trial and error.

Use questions such as “What could make this side stronger?” rather than fixing every problem. den-building resources

What should a den-building risk assessment consider?

Consider stability, visibility, entrapment, trip hazards, sharp edges, damaged materials, cords, fastenings, weather and the surface beneath the structure. Adults must be able to supervise children; fully enclosed or hidden spaces may need openings or different positioning.

Check resources before each use and remove wet, splintered, torn or unstable items. Follow manufacturer instructions and setting procedures. Den materials are play resources, not climbing equipment, unless specifically designed and assessed for climbing.

How can den building support inclusive participation?

Offer roles beyond heavy lifting: selecting fabric, holding a plan, attaching a marker, arranging cushions or explaining the group’s idea. Provide lightweight and easy-grip options, visual steps or a smaller construction space where these support access.

Some children may find enclosed spaces uncomfortable, while others seek them for calm. Never require entry. Observe sensory responses and involve the SENCO and family when individual adjustments are needed.

What does good adult interaction look like?

Adults can introduce vocabulary such as stable, balance, edge, entrance, stretch and support in the context of children’s decisions. Photograph stages where this helps children review their process, or invite them to draw a plan before rebuilding.

Join the play without taking ownership. If adults routinely attach every roof and decide every wall, children lose opportunities to test ideas, negotiate and persist.

What common mistakes should settings avoid?

Avoid building the den before children arrive, using long cords or heavy furniture as improvised supports, and allowing damaged resources to remain available. Do not position dens across fire routes, doorways or busy movement paths.

It is also unhelpful to dismantle every structure immediately. Where space and safety allow, retaining a den for a limited time lets children return, adapt the design and deepen the story.

How does Hope Education support den building?

Hope Education supports Early Years teams with adaptable resources for active, imaginative provision indoors and outside. Practitioners can combine den frames, fabrics, soft furnishings, construction resources and practical storage according to their space and risk assessment. Well-chosen resources help children take meaningful responsibility for planning and building, while giving staff manageable ways to support movement, collaboration, problem-solving and sustained role play.

outdoor provision | construction resources