Kernan, MargaretMargaretKernanDevine, DympnaDympnaDevine2015-03-042015-03-042009 the A2010-09Children & Societyhttp://hdl.handle.net/10197/6412This study is based on a study of the experience of the outdoors in early childhood education and care settings in Ireland. Central to the analyses are the inter-linkages drawn between constructions of a 'good' childhood, and children’s 'need' for outdoor play, as well as the contradictions which arise around competing discourses of safety and protection versus play and autonomy in the structuring of children’s everyday lives. The findings indicate that the outdoors is increasingly marginalised in young children’s everyday experiences. Conclusions are drawn with reference to the implications for the development of real and meaningful outdoor play experiences for children in early childhood education and care settings.enThis is the author's version of the following article: Margaret Kernan and Dympna Devine (2010) "Being Confined within? Constructions of the Good Childhood and Outdoor Play in Early Childhood Education and Care Settings in Ireland" Children & Society, 24(5) : 371-385 which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2009.00249.xConstructions of childhoodEarly childhoodOutdoor playPowerTime and spaceJournal Article24537138510.1111/j.1099-0860.2009.00249.x2015-02-20https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/