Outdoor Learning UK & Europe: Training, Activities, Resources & Play for Schools
Outdoor Learning Made Simple for EYFS & Primary Schools. Teacher-created outdoor learning resources, training and play ideas that save planning time, support SEND and wellbeing, and help children learn beyond the classroom.
Sarah receiving her award at the Houses of Parliament in 2023 with MP Clive Betts.
Created by Sarah Seaman PGCE/MA — teacher of 18 years, former SLT, educational consultant, Bloomsbury author, podcaster, and Houses of Parliament award winner.
Choose Your Pathway
What do you need help with today?
I need outdoor learning resources
Ready-to-use, teacher-created lesson plans, play plans, SEND interventions, Forest School, continuous provision and schemes of work for ages 0–15.
I need outdoor learning training
Accredited CPD, INSET days and practical staff training for schools and nurseries. Face-to-Face or Online Options. Whole School and Individual options. All based around the trademarked Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach. Outdoor Learning and Outdoor Play Programmes.
I’m new to outdoor learning
Simple ideas, beginner guides and outdoor activities you can try tomorrow. Maybe you have been given outdoor lead and do not know where to start? We can help!
I teach EYFS
Outdoor play, sensory learning, continuous provision and child-led learning ideas. From babies to reception, we specialise in how you easily manage but also gain optimum learning opportunities outdoors via play and focus teaching.
What is Outdoor Learning?
Outdoor learning is a way of teaching and learning that takes place outside the traditional classroom. It uses natural environments—like school grounds, parks, and woodland areas—to bring lessons to life through hands-on, real-world experiences.
Rather than sitting at desks, children learn by exploring, investigating, and engaging with the world around them. This might include measuring in maths using natural materials, developing literacy through storytelling outdoors, or building problem-solving skills through play and teamwork.
At The Muddy Puddle Teacher, we take this a step further. We offer a unique, structured approach to outdoor learning, specifically designed for nurseries and primary schools. Our method supports teachers in delivering the curriculum outdoors in a way that is practical, engaging, and easy to implement—without needing extensive equipment or extra time.
Outdoor learning supports the whole child. It helps to build:
- confidence and independence
- physical health and wellbeing
- creativity and curiosity
- communication and social skills
At its heart, outdoor learning makes education active, meaningful, and memorable—helping children connect what they learn in the classroom with the real world around them.
Or read some of our expert-created out-of-the-classroom handbooks and guidelines to help you navigate the barriers to teaching more outside.
The Downfall of Phonics and the Uprise of Outdoor Phonics
There was a time when phonics felt alive. Children were singing sounds, doing actions, moving their bodies, laughing, listening, spotting, blending and joining in. Phonics had rhythm. It had joy. It had stories. It had...
Why Outdoor Play Isn’t an “Extra” in Early Years—It’s the Missing Piece
By Sarah Seaman PGCE/MA, The Muddy Puddle Teacher There’s something magical that happens when children step outside. The child who struggles to sit still suddenly becomes deeply focused, balancing on logs or digging...
The Impact of Outdoor Lessons: Why Taking Learning Outside Works
If you’re exploring outdoor learning and wondering whether it really makes a difference, the answer is clear: 👉 Taking lessons outside has a measurable, lasting impact on how children learn, behave, and feel. This...
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Outdoor Learning & Play for Early Years (EYFS)
Transform your setting with inspiring outdoor learning in EYFS that truly engages young minds. Our carefully designed resources support high-quality outdoor provision in EYFS, making it easy to create exciting, purposeful environments where children thrive. Through meaningful early years outdoor play, children build confidence, develop key physical skills, and strengthen communication and problem-solving abilities—all while learning through exploration and fun. Want to know how to make a start at teaching outdoors? Try these 100 Outdoor Ideas for EYFS, KS1 & KS2 you can start now!
Whether you’re enhancing your current outdoor space or starting from scratch, our EYFS outdoor play resources help you deliver rich, curriculum-linked experiences every day. Designed by experts and loved by practitioners, our solutions make outdoor learning in EYFS simple, effective, and impactful—so you can focus on what matters most: helping children learn, grow, and flourish outdoors. Learn 10 easy outdoor learning activities.
Discover all of our thousands of early years outdoors ideas using the posts below. Find outdoor learning lesson plans, resources and award winning outdoor play lanyards. We pride ourselves on the stripped-back outdoor play approach we use to help children reignite their imaginations and learn to play, creatively with nature. Explore the posts below now for instant ideas.
Why Choose Us?
Because we get it.
Founded by Sarah, a teacher working in education just like you, The Muddy Puddle Teacher was created to solve real problems for real educators.
Our trademarked outdoor learning approach supports teachers, teaching assistants, childminders, home educators, SEND learners, struggling learners, wellbeing, health, fitness, confidence, and curriculum progress.
Sarah is a BBC Radio expert adviser, a published Bloomsbury author, and a HERo Award winner at the Houses of Parliament.
Our team is made up of educators too, so we understand the pressure, the paperwork, and the need for simple outdoor learning ideas that actually work.
We also care about the planet, using upcycled, low-cost, and sustainable ways to teach outdoors.
Real educators. Real outdoor learning. Real impact.
Start Your Free Trial
Do you want to make your classroom fun and engaging, but do not have the time? Our teachers have done all the work for you; all you have to do is teach. Download your resources now.
Outdoor Learning Lesson Plans & Ideas KS1 & KS2
Bring the curriculum to life with engaging outdoor learning activities designed for KS1 and KS2. Our ready-to-use lesson plans for outdoor learning take the stress out of planning, giving teachers creative, curriculum-linked outdoor lesson ideas that inspire curiosity, teamwork, and active learning. From maths trails to literacy adventures, our resources make it easy to turn any outdoor space into a dynamic classroom. Discover 100 outdoor learning ideas.
All of our resources are created by teachers and founded by MP Award winning teacher Sarah Seaman PGCE/MA. Explore her range of books with Bloomsbury. Packed with practical, high-quality outdoor learning resources, our lesson plans help you deliver meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom walls. Learn more about the key to success when you teach outside of the classroom. Whether you’re new to outdoor learning or looking to expand your provision, our expertly created materials save time, boost engagement, and support outstanding teaching across KS1 and KS2.
Explore the posts below to find teacher-created, curriculum linked outdoor activities and outdoor lesson plans on all subject areas.
Click on the posts below to get more innovative KS1 outdoor ideas and KS2 outdoor lesson plans in all areas of the curriculum.
Outdoor Learning KS2: STEM Flight
Outdoor Learning KS2: STEM Flight – Muddy Learning Pack (P5) Take your KS2 STEM topic: Flight beyond the classroom with our Outdoor Learning Flight Pack, designed using The Muddy Puddle Teacher approach. This ready-to-use resource helps children explore the science of...
One More One Less – Outdoor Maths
Take maths learning beyond the classroom with our One More, One Less Outdoor Worksheet, designed to help children explore early number concepts through hands-on, nature-based experiences. This engaging resource encourages children to use natural materials such as...
KS1 Shape and Measure Outdoor Learning Bundle
Our KS1 Shape and Measure Outdoor Learning Bundle is a comprehensive, hands-on resource designed to help children explore key maths concepts through active, real-world learning. Combining essential topics such as 2D and 3D shapes, symmetry, length, height, weight, and...
Outdoor Learning Training, Outdoor Play & INSET Days
Empower your team with high-impact outdoor learning training UK designed to transform practice and raise outcomes. Our expert-led courses deliver quality outdoor learning training that is practical, inspiring, and tailored to real classroom needs. Whether you’re developing confidence or refining your approach, our CPD outdoor learning sessions equip staff with the skills, knowledge, and ready-to-use ideas to deliver outstanding outdoor provision. Explore, What does outdoor learning training look like?
Our accredited outdoor learning training and INSET days focus on effective outdoor play, curriculum links, and creating engaging learning environments that work for your setting. With hands-on guidance and proven strategies, you’ll leave with a clear action plan to embed outdoor learning across your school or early years provision—boosting engagement, wellbeing, and achievement. We have a glowing 4.9 stars on google reviews, we are the experts when it comes to outdoor learning and outdoor play.
Outdoor Learning Explained: Benefits, Research & Practical Examples
What Is Outdoor Learning? A Simple Guide
Outdoor learning is an approach to education that takes place outside the traditional classroom. Instead of sitting at desks, learners explore, discover, and engage with the natural environment—whether that’s a forest, park, beach, or even a school playground.
At its core, outdoor learning is about experiential education. It encourages people to learn by doing—observing wildlife, building shelters, solving real-world problems, and connecting with nature in a meaningful way. This hands-on approach helps deepen understanding and makes learning more memorable.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor learning offers a wide range of benefits for both children and adults:
- Improves physical health through movement and fresh air
- Boosts mental wellbeing by reducing stress and increasing focus
- Encourages creativity and curiosity through open-ended exploration
- Builds confidence and resilience by facing new challenges
- Enhances social skills through teamwork and communication
In a world where screen time is increasing, outdoor learning provides a valuable opportunity to reconnect with the environment and develop essential life skills.
What Does Outdoor Learning Look Like?
Outdoor learning can take many forms, including:
- Forest school sessions
- Nature walks and environmental studies
- Team-building activities and outdoor challenges
- Gardening and sustainability projects
- Outdoor classrooms and lessons across subjects such as maths and English
It can be structured or unstructured, guided by educators or led by learners themselves.
Outdoor Learning for All Ages
While often associated with schools, outdoor learning is not just for children. It is equally valuable for adults, families, and organisations looking to improve wellbeing, teamwork, and connection with nature.
Why Outdoor Lessons Works
- 88% of teachers say pupils are more engaged outdoors
- Exposure to nature improves concentration and reduces attention fatigue
- Children are more physically active during outdoor lessons
- Outdoor learning improves behaviour and reduces classroom disruption
- Time in nature significantly reduces stress and improves wellbeing
- Outdoor learning supports development of social and communication skills
- Regular outdoor learning is linked to improved academic outcomes
Learning Outside the Classroom & Outdoor Play FAQ's
What is outdoor play?
Outdoor play is play based learning activities that are conducted outside utilising the benfits of an outdoor space. Explore 100 Outdoor play ideas in our blog.
What are the benefits of outdoor learning?
Outdoor learning improves engagement, supports mental wellbeing, builds confidence, and helps develop key life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. It can also enhance academic understanding through real-world experiences. Discover more benefits to outdoor learning
Is outdoor learning part of the curriculum?
Yes, outdoor learning can support many areas of the curriculum, including science, geography, maths, and literacy. It’s often used to bring subjects to life in a more practical and engaging way. Try some top 30 outdoor ideas to start your journey.
Is outdoor learning safe?
When properly planned and supervised, outdoor learning is very safe. Explore saftery advice, risk assessments, trained staff, and clear guidelines ensure that activities are both safe and beneficial.
What age groups is outdoor learning suitable for?
Outdoor learning is suitable for all ages—from early years through to adults. Activities can be adapted to suit different abilities, learning goals, and group sizes.
What is a forest school?
Forest school is a specific type of outdoor learning that takes place in a woodland setting. It focuses on child-led learning, exploration, and developing confidence through regular sessions in nature. Learn more about the joys of forest school.
Does outdoor learning require special equipment?
Not necessarily. Many outdoor learning activities use natural materials found in the environment. Some sessions may include simple tools or resources, depending on the activity.
How often should outdoor learning take place?
This can vary depending on the setting. Some schools incorporate outdoor learning weekly, while others use it more regularly. Even occasional sessions can have a positive impact.
Can outdoor learning take place in urban areas?
Yes, outdoor learning doesn’t require remote wilderness. School grounds, local parks, and community spaces can all be used effectively for outdoor learning.
How can we get started with outdoor learning?
Start small by taking lessons outside, using natural materials, or exploring local green spaces. Working with experienced outdoor learning providers can also help you build confidence and structure your approach. Explore more resources in our planning hub.