If you work in education, early years, primary schools, SEND provision or outdoor settings, you may have heard the terms Forest School and Outdoor Learning used side by side. Although they share similar values and both take learning beyond the walls of the classroom, they are not the same thing.
Understanding the difference can help you choose the right approach for your setting, support your learners more effectively, and decide on the correct training pathway.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Forest School and Outdoor Learning, the benefits of each, and how they can work together.
What Is Forest School?
Forest School is a long-term, child-led educational approach delivered by a qualified Forest School Leader. It takes place in woodland or a natural outdoor environment and focuses on holistic development—supporting emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience, creativity and independence.
Key features of Forest School
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Long-term programme (typically weekly sessions over several months)
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Run by a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader
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Takes place in a woodland or nature-rich environment
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Highly child-led and exploratory
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Focus on self-esteem, confidence and emotional growth
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Regular use of tools, fire, risk assessment and natural resources
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Small group size to support deeper development
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Learning occurs through play, discovery and hands-on experiences
Forest School is recognised for its positive impact on children’s self-confidence, teamwork, resilience and overall wellbeing. It is especially powerful for children with SEND, SEMH or those who struggle in traditional classroom settings.
What Is Outdoor Learning?
Outdoor Learning is a broader term that simply means taking the curriculum or learning opportunities outdoors. It can be delivered by any educator—not just a Forest School leader—and can take place in any outdoor environment, from a school playground to a local park.
Key features of Outdoor Learning
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Can be delivered by any trained teacher or practitioner
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Flexible and adaptable
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Can take place anywhere outside—playground, field, park, garden
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Curriculum-linked activities (maths, science, English, geography, etc.)
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Can be short, one-off sessions
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Structured or semi-structured
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Not reliant on woodland, tools or fire
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Easy to integrate into weekly planning
Outdoor Learning is about using nature and outdoor spaces to enrich subject teaching, promote physical activity, improve engagement, and make learning more hands-on and meaningful.
Forest School vs Outdoor Learning: The Key Differences
| Feature | Forest School | Outdoor Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A long-term, child-led programme delivered by a qualified leader | Any learning that happens outdoors |
| Training required | Leader must hold a Level 3 Forest School qualification | No specialist qualification required, but CPD helps |
| Environment | Woodland or natural environment | Any outdoor setting |
| Approach | Child-led, holistic, based on play and exploration | Can be teacher-led and curriculum-focused |
| Sessions | Regular, long-term programme | Flexible and can be one-off |
| Use of tools and fire | Common (with training) | Not typical, unless trained and risk-assessed |
| Focus | Emotional, social, holistic development | Curriculum delivery and enrichment |
| Ideal for | SEND, SEMH, nurture groups, confidence building | Whole-class teaching, curriculum topics, active learning |
Do Forest School and Outdoor Learning Work Well Together?
Absolutely. In fact, many schools blend both approaches.
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Forest School supports emotional wellbeing, resilience, self-confidence and independence.
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Outdoor Learning brings the curriculum to life and supports active, engaging lessons.
Used together, they create a balanced, nature-rich educational offer.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your goals:
You may choose Forest School if you want to:
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Support children with emotional or behavioural needs
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Build resilience and wellbeing
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Offer long-term, child-led exploration
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Develop tool use, team building and woodland skills
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Provide a nurture-style programme
You may choose Outdoor Learning if you want to:
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Take the curriculum outside
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Teach subjects like maths, English, science or art outdoors
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Make learning more active and engaging
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Improve wellbeing without requiring woodland access
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Start small, without additional qualifications
Many settings do both—offering weekly Outdoor Learning while running Forest School groups for nurture or targeted support.
Training Options
If you’re inspired to build your skills, we offer a range of accredited courses:
Official Muddy Teacher® Accredited CPD Outdoor Learning Training
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Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award
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Level 2–4 Outdoor Learning Award
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Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinator Course
Forest School & SEND focused pathways
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Outdoor Learning Specialism: Behaviour and SEMH
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Outdoor Learning Specialism: ASD
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Outdoor Learning Specialism: Speech and Language
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Outdoor Learning Specialism: Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
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Inclusion for Children with Physical Disabilities
Browse all courses here:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
Explore Outdoor Learning Resources
If you’d like ready-made outdoor learning activities and Forest School-inspired resources, explore the full library:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/
(Free with a 60-day trial)
Final Thoughts
Forest School and Outdoor Learning are both powerful, enriching and transformational approaches to education. They aren’t the same, but each brings unique benefits to children’s growth, wellbeing and learning.
When used together, they create a balanced, nature-connected curriculum that supports every learner—especially those who need something different from the traditional classroom.
If you’re ready to deepen your practice, explore our training, resources and support. Becoming a Muddy Puddle Teacher® is one small step that can make a big difference to the children you work with.