Ready to take learning outside but not sure where to begin?
The Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD gives teachers, teaching assistants, early years practitioners and school staff a practical introduction to outdoor teaching.
This is not a course that expects you to have access to woodland, expensive equipment or a purpose-built outdoor classroom. It is designed for real schools, real teachers and the outdoor spaces you already have.
You may have a playground, field, courtyard, small garden or concrete area. The course will help you recognise how these everyday spaces can be used to deliver active, memorable and curriculum-linked learning.
You will begin developing the confidence to organise children outdoors, use simple resources and adapt familiar lessons without creating hours of additional planning.
The training is ideal for anyone who wants to understand The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach before progressing to our more advanced outdoor learning programmes.
Begin by exploring our Outdoor Learning Training Hub, Outdoor Learning Hub and Beginner’s Guide to Outdoor Learning.
Start your Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD today.
What Is the Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD?
The Level 1 Boot Camp is an introductory outdoor learning course for educators who want a clear, manageable starting point.
It helps you move beyond simply taking children outside for a break or special activity.
The focus is on understanding how outdoor learning can become part of everyday teaching.
You will explore how movement, practical resources and outdoor spaces can support curriculum learning, communication, confidence, wellbeing and engagement.
The course introduces the principles behind successful outdoor teaching while keeping the approach realistic.
Outdoor learning does not need to involve complicated planning, specialist clothing or large amounts of equipment.
A short maths starter, a phonics activity, a practical investigation, or a reflection session can all take place outside.
The Level 1 course helps you begin making these small changes with greater purpose and confidence.
Start your Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD today.
Who Is the Level 1 Free Outdoor Learning Course For?
This course is suitable for classroom teachers, teaching assistants, early years practitioners, nursery teams, childminders, trainee teachers, SEND staff, pastoral teams, lunchtime staff and professionals working in wraparound care.
It can be used by educators working across Nursery, EYFS, KS1, KS2 and SEND provision.
You do not need previous outdoor learning experience.
The course is particularly useful for people who feel interested in outdoor teaching but are worried about behaviour, organisation, weather, resources or curriculum expectations.
It can also support staff who already occasionally use the outdoors but want a clearer structure for their activities.
Schools may use the course to introduce new staff to outdoor learning or to help build a shared starting point before completing more advanced training.
Is This a Forest School Course?
The Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD is not a Forest School qualification.
Forest School is a specialist approach with its own principles, training and long-term programme structure.
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® helps educators take curriculum lessons, play, SEND support and wellbeing activities outside using ordinary school grounds.
You might teach number bonds on the playground, explore vocabulary using natural objects, practise phonics through movement or deliver a science investigation on the field.
You do not need a forest.
You do not need to light fires or use tools.
You do not need to become a Forest School leader to take everyday learning outside.
Read more through What Is Outdoor Learning? and Outdoor Learning Versus Forest School.
What Will You Learn?
The Level 1 outdoor learning CPD introduces the foundations needed to begin using outdoor spaces more confidently.
You will explore what outdoor learning is, why it can support children and how it differs from simply moving a worksheet outside.
The course helps you think about the spaces available in your setting, the resources you already own and the small changes that can make lessons more active.
You will also begin considering practical organisation, suitable expectations, inclusive participation and how outdoor learning can fit alongside the existing curriculum.
The aim is not to overload you with hundreds of activities.
It is to give you the confidence and understanding needed to take your first successful steps outside.
Outdoor Learning Without Expensive Equipment
Many teachers assume they need to buy specialist outdoor resources before beginning.
In reality, schools often already have everything they need.
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach commonly uses hoops, cones, rope, chalk, bamboo, clay, containers and natural loose parts.
These resources can be reused across different subjects and age groups.
A hoop might become part of a number activity, sorting task, phonics game, story map or emotional check-in.
Chalk can support large-scale writing, number lines, diagrams, maps and playground games.
Natural materials can be used for counting, pattern, vocabulary, storytelling, science and art.
The aim is to reduce printing, increase movement and help children experience learning in a more memorable way.
Explore our Outdoor Learning Resource Library
Why Start with Level 1 Outdoor Learning CPD?
Beginning with introductory training can prevent outdoor learning from becoming overwhelming.
Teachers sometimes try to transform every lesson immediately. This can create unnecessary pressure and make outdoor learning feel difficult to sustain.
Level 1 encourages you to start small.
One lesson starter, one short practical activity or one regular outdoor routine can be enough.
As your confidence develops, you can gradually increase the frequency and complexity of your sessions.
This approach makes it easier to notice what works for your children, your curriculum and your outdoor space.
It also gives staff time to build consistent routines.
Children need to learn how to move outside, listen, collect resources, work in groups and return indoors calmly.
These organisational skills become easier with repetition.
What Makes The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach Different?
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach has been developed by teachers for teachers.
It recognises that staff are managing curriculum demands, assessment, behaviour, SEND needs, workload and limited budgets.
Outdoor learning should not become another large project added to an already busy week.
The approach helps teachers use outdoor spaces to teach what they already need to teach.
It is not about abandoning the curriculum.
It is about making curriculum learning more active, practical and engaging.
The training also focuses on the whole child.
Children are given opportunities to communicate, cooperate, move, solve problems and demonstrate understanding in different ways.
For some children, changing the environment can provide a more accessible route into learning.
Start your Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD today.
Level 1 Outdoor Learning and SEND
Outdoor learning can support children with SEND, but every child will experience the environment differently.
Some children benefit from additional movement and space.
Others may find weather, insects, noise, mud, transitions or unfamiliar routines difficult.
The Level 1 course encourages practitioners to consider inclusion from the beginning.
Activities can be adapted through visual prompts, smaller groups, predictable routines, sensory choices, quieter spaces and alternative ways of taking part.
A child should not be forced to touch natural materials or become messy to access outdoor learning.
They may choose to observe, use a tool, work with familiar equipment or engage from a more comfortable area.
For specialist guidance, explore our SEND Outdoor Learning Hub, Outdoor Emotional Regulation Resources and SEND Outdoor Learning Training.
Can Early Years Practitioners Take the Course?
Yes. The Level 1 Boot Camp is suitable for early years practitioners, nursery teams, childminders and reception staff.
Outdoor learning is already an important part of early years practice, but having access to an outdoor area does not automatically create rich provision.
The course can help practitioners think more carefully about movement, communication, exploration, child-led learning and the role of the adult.
It can also provide a foundation before progressing to our specialist Early Years Outdoor Learning Training.
Early years teams may then choose to develop their knowledge of continuous provision, outdoor play spaces, focused teaching and staff confidence.
Visit our Early Years Outdoors Hub for practical resources and guidance.
Can Primary Teachers Use Outdoor Learning Across the Curriculum?
Outdoor learning can be used across the primary curriculum.
It is not limited to science, geography or nature activities.
Maths can be taught through movement, practical measures, shape, number lines and problem-solving.
English can include phonics, storytelling, vocabulary, poetry, drama, spelling and purposeful writing.
History and geography can use trails, maps, timelines and large-scale representations.
Science can become more investigative and connected to real experiences.
The Level 1 course introduces the wider possibilities before teachers progress towards subject-specific training.
Try This Tomorrow
Choose a lesson starter you would usually complete indoors.
Take it onto the playground and replace one paper-based element with movement.
For example, place number cards around the space and ask children to move to the correct answer, or position vocabulary cards for children to find and discuss with a partner.
Keep the activity short and use resources you already have.
Time: five to ten minutes.
Preparation: very low.
Best for: building teacher confidence, establishing outdoor routines and introducing active learning.
Afterwards, reflect on what worked and identify one small change for the next session.
What Happens After Level 1?
The Level 1 Boot Camp gives you an introduction to the approach.
Once you feel ready to develop your practice further, you can progress to more detailed practitioner training.
The Levels 2–4 Outdoor Learning Programme supports educators who want to plan, deliver and embed outdoor learning more consistently.
You may also choose specialist training in early years, SEND, maths, English, science or other curriculum areas.
There is no need to complete everything at once.
Your training pathway should reflect your role, experience and goals.
Start your Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD today.
Why Outdoor Learning CPD Matters
Successful outdoor learning depends on confident adults.
Children quickly notice when staff feel uncertain, rushed or worried about what might go wrong.
Training provides a clearer understanding of how to organise sessions and why the approach is valuable.
It can also challenge common misconceptions.
Outdoor learning is not an occasional reward for good behaviour. It is not limited to warm weather and it does not need to involve an elaborate activity.
When staff understand the purpose, outdoor learning can become a normal and valuable part of teaching.
Professional development also helps schools create greater consistency.
Children benefit when adults use shared language, routines and expectations across different classes.
Start Your Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD
You do not need perfect school grounds or previous experience to begin.
You need a practical starting point, a willingness to experiment and an approach that works alongside the realities of school life.
The Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD helps you take that first step.
Learn how to use simple spaces, familiar resources and manageable activities to make teaching more active and memorable.
Join the Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD today.
Continue your development through our Outdoor Learning Training Hub.
You can also join the free weekly Outdoor Learning Magazine for seasonal activities, teaching advice, SEND support and curriculum inspiration.
Explore hundreds of ready-to-use resources with our 60-day free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Level 1 Boot Camp suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The course is designed for educators who are new to outdoor learning or who currently use outdoor activities only occasionally.
Is Level 1 a Forest School qualification?
No. This is an outdoor learning CPD course focused on curriculum teaching, play, wellbeing and SEND support in everyday outdoor spaces.
Do I need access to woodland?
No. The course can be applied in playgrounds, fields, courtyards, gardens and other accessible school spaces.
Can teaching assistants complete the course?
Yes. It is suitable for teachers, teaching assistants, early years practitioners, SEND staff, childminders, trainee teachers and other professionals working with children.
What course should I take after Level 1?
Educators who want to develop their practice further can progress to the Levels 2–4 Outdoor Learning Programme, specialist subject courses, early years training, SEND training or Level 5 leadership training.
Start your Level 1 Boot Camp to Outdoor Learning CPD today.
Author Box
Written by Sarah Seaman PGCE MA
Founder of The Muddy Puddle Teacher®
Teacher for over 19 years
Bloomsbury author
Trainer of thousands of teachers across the UK
This copy follows the uploaded pulling-page structure by including an optimised keyword title, engaging introduction, practical main content, bold internal-link opportunities, two clear conversion routes, multimedia suggestions, FAQs and an expertise-led author box.