OUTDOOR LEARNING

What is outdoor learning?

Outdoor learning is a planned and purposeful approach that uses nature-based activities and natural resources to enhance learning, mental health and wellbeing, and environmental awareness. It offers a stimulating and engaging approach to learning and is woven into our curriculum. We know that taking learning outdoors can have a major impact on the learning and development of young children, from enhancing problem solving skills to communication and resilience. And of course, outdoor learning provides endless opportunities for exploration, experimentation and contextual learning in the world around us through a child-centred inspirational learning process.

Our Outdoor Learning Principles

- builds on a child’s innate motivation and positive attitude to learning, offering them the opportunities to take managed risks, make choices and initiate learning for themselves.
- helps children to understand, appreciate, respect and care for the natural environment.
- takes place in all weathers.
- offers learning opportunities that are different or additional to indoors but of equal value.
- encourages physical activity and development and the use of all our senses to stimulate the brain and intellect.
- practice promotes choice.
- provides opportunities for managed risks and challenges that promote confidence.
- promotes a deeper understanding of the natural world and how people affect and effect their environment.
- fosters independence.