CPD

The Importance of Outdoor Play

A Research-Informed Guide for Educators

With Muddy Puddle Teacher® Toolkit Guidance

1. Why Outdoor Play Matters

Outdoor play is not an optional extra; it is a vital part of children’s cognitive, physical and emotional development. Research consistently shows that children learn better, regulate better, and behave better when they spend regular time outdoors.

Key Research Insights

1. Improved focus and attention

Natural outdoor environments help children maintain attention for longer and reduce symptoms of inattention.
Evidence: Faber Taylor & Kuo (2009); Söderström et al. (2013)

2. Enhanced physical development

Outdoor play improves gross motor skills, coordination, and confidence in movement.
Evidence: Brussoni et al. (2015); Tremblay et al. (2015)

3. Better emotional wellbeing and reduced stress

Nature reduces cortisol levels and increases feelings of calmness and stability.
Evidence: Wells & Evans (2003); Kelz et al. (2013)

4. Increased social skills and cooperation

Outdoor spaces encourage collaboration, problem-solving and imaginative role-play.
Evidence: Sandseter & Sando (2016)

5. Strengthened learning outcomes across the curriculum

Hands-on outdoor experiences deepen understanding in science, literacy, maths, and geography.
Evidence: Rickinson et al. (2004)

2. Why It Matters for SEND Learners

Outdoor play is particularly powerful for children with additional needs.

Benefits for SEND Children

More space to move, reducing anxiety
Reduced sensory overload compared to indoor settings
Calming natural sensory input
Clearer boundaries and predictable routines
Higher engagement through movement and hands-on tasks
Opportunities for communication without pressure

Evidence:

Änggård (2011) on outdoor environments for neurodiverse learners
Barrable (2019) on nature-based SEND inclusion
Saito et al. (2020) on sensory benefits of natural play

3. What Does High-Quality Outdoor Play Look Like?

Outdoor play must be purposeful, varied, and accessible. Below are examples you can use immediately.

Types of Outdoor Play

1. Sensory Play
Using natural materials to stimulate touch, sound, smell and sight.
Examples: leaves, water, stones, sticks, mud, clay.

2. Imaginative Play
Creating stories, roles and scenarios outdoors.
Examples: building dens, role-play with natural props, small-world outdoor setups.

3. Physical Play
Supporting stability, coordination, mobility and confidence.
Examples: balancing on logs, climbing, crawling, throwing natural objects safely.

4. Exploratory Play
Hands-on investigation into real-world materials and environments.
Examples: puddle exploration, weather observations, insect watching, natural collections.

5. Social Play
Cooperative play that builds relationships.
Examples: group building tasks, outdoor problem-solving challenges.

4. Barriers to Outdoor Play — and How We Overcome Them

Common Barriers:

Weather concerns
Limited space
Lack of confidence
Perceived workload
Uncertainty around safety

Solutions:

Use the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Toolkit for simple, sustainable methods
Build routines: grab-and-go kits, weather expectations, simple boundaries
Start small, with one lesson a week
Evidence: Rickinson et al. (2004) — small, low-risk experiences build long-term confidence
Remember: outdoor learning improves behaviour, wellbeing, and attention

5. The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Toolkit

Simple, sustainable, inclusive tools for outdoor learning

The toolkit uses natural, upcycled, low-cost resources that help you teach effectively outside without needing expensive equipment or elaborate setups.

Key Toolkit Methods

1. The Bamboo Method

Use bamboo sticks for measuring, shape-making, angles, boundaries, teamwork and creative design.

2. The Rope Method

Ideal for science, teamwork, sensory movement, investigations and safe boundary-setting.

3. The Clay Method

Supports fine motor skills, expression, 3D modelling, sensory regulation and creative curriculum tasks.

4. The Stick & Stone Method

Perfect for counting, phonics, sorting, sequencing, building and comparing.

5. The Puddle Play Method

Weather-based investigations, cause-and-effect, descriptive language, science concepts and sensory exploration.

6. The Upcycled Loose Parts Method

Use tyres, crates, fabric, tubes, pots, pans and more for construction, STEM tasks and imaginative play.

6. Practical Examples for Staff to Use

Curriculum Examples

Science: use ropes to measure shadows and explore forces
Maths: build shapes with bamboo sticks; count collections of leaves
Literacy: storytelling using natural objects as characters
Geography: map the playground using sticks and stones
Art: clay sculptures, bark rubbings, natural patterns

SEND-Adapted Examples

Calm sensory paths using leaves, stones and bark
Ground-level investigation trays for wheelchair users
Clay to support sensory regulation
Rope circles to provide clear personal space
Natural textures for sensory exploration

7. Why Upcycled and Natural Resources Work

Research shows that open-ended, multi-sensory materials promote deeper learning, creativity, and self-regulation (Nicholson’s Theory of Loose Parts, 1971).
Natural materials offer:

Unlimited variation
Strong sensory feedback
Low cost
Eco-friendly sustainability
Adaptability for SEND learners

The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Programme builds on this evidence with structured, practical methods.

8. Reflection Questions for Staff

Use these to guide personal or team reflection:

How often do we take learning outdoors — and what is stopping us doing more?
Which groups of children benefit most from outdoor learning in our setting?
How could we incorporate one Muddy Puddle Teacher® Toolkit method this week?
What natural or upcycled resources do we already have access to?
How could outdoor learning reduce behaviour or wellbeing concerns?

9. Next Steps

Continue growing your outdoor learning practice with:

The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Level 1–4 Programme
Our online training packages
Workshops and UK tour events
Free demonstrations on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook

For more support or training bookings:
info@themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk

BIG Nature Method

Blog CPD: The Importance of Outdoor Play (A Research-Informed Guide for Educators)

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