Home 9 Blog 9 Government Policy on Outdoor Learning
Government Policy on Outdoor Learning

Government Policy on Outdoor Learning

Government Policy on Outdoor Learning: A Pathway to Holistic Education

Outdoor learning is a transformative approach to education that takes students beyond the confines of the traditional classroom and into the natural world. This dynamic method of teaching and learning leverages the power of nature to create engaging, hands-on experiences that enhance academic skills and promote physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental stewardship.

Theoretical Foundations of Outdoor Learning

The roots of outdoor learning theory can be traced back to the pioneering work of educational theorists like Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. They emphasized the importance of experiential learning and the role of the environment in shaping cognitive development. More recent approaches, such as the Forest School movement, have further underscored the value of outdoor learning in fostering a deep connection with nature and promoting holistic development.

Government Policies on Outdoor Learning

Government policies play a crucial role in promoting and facilitating outdoor learning. In England, the Natural Connections Demonstration project, funded by Natural England, Defra, and Historic England, worked with 125 schools to promote outdoor learning for pupils and teachers. It found that outdoor learning improved pupils’ engagement, behaviour, health, well-being, and teachers’ job satisfaction and teaching practice.

The UK government has also published guidance to help anyone who organises high-quality outdoor learning, educational visits, and adventurous activities, including residential and overseas visits. This guidance is designed to support safe, high-quality learning experiences for young people and is enabling rather than restrictive.

Muddy Puddle Teacher’s Approach

The Muddy Puddle Teacher offers a wealth of resources for outdoor learning to support government policy on outdoor learning. Their approach is built on substantial evidence of the benefits and challenges schools face when embedding outdoor learning into core teaching. They provide practical ideas for implementing outdoor classrooms and offer a range of resources for further exploration.

In conclusion, outdoor learning theory provides a robust framework for holistic education. It enhances academic performance and promotes physical and mental well-being, social and emotional development, and a deeper connection with nature. As educators, we are responsible for integrating outdoor learning into our curriculum and providing our students with these invaluable experiences.

FREE World Book Day Book- Mini & Nook (Outdoor eBook)

Outdoor Learning Safety Information

 

 

You need a subscription to download this file. Log in/Upgrade or Sign up. Feel free to Send us a message if you need help.

Whats new

Fairness Game

Fairness Game

🟰 Fairness Game: Teaching Children the Power of Playing Fair Teaching children about fairness is one of the most valuable lessons we can offer in early education. But how do we make such a big idea accessible for little learners? One of the best ways is through a...

Ch Colouring Sheets

Ch Colouring Sheets

🎨 CH Colouring Sheets: Fun Phonics Practice for Early Readers Looking for fun and effective ways to reinforce the CH digraph? Our CH colouring sheets are a fantastic tool for helping early readers learn to recognise and sound out this common digraph—all while enjoying...

Teachers for Teachers ( Questions Answered)

Teachers for Teachers ( Questions Answered)

👩‍🏫 Teachers for Teachers: Why Peer-Created Resources Matter More Than Ever In a world of ready-made schemes, digital downloads, and off-the-shelf lesson plans, there’s something incredibly powerful about content created by teachers, for teachers. Whether you're...

Inch vs CM

Inch vs CM

📏 Inch vs CM: What’s the Difference and How to Convert Whether you’re measuring for a craft, planning a lesson, or shopping online, you’ve likely seen both inches and centimetres (cm) used. But what exactly is the difference between them? In this guide, we’ll break...

100 Ways to Plan an Outdoor Lesson

100 Ways to Plan an Outdoor Lesson

100 Ways to Plan an Outdoor Lesson: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators Outdoor learning offers a dynamic approach to education, fostering engagement, creativity, and a deeper connection with the natural world. Whether you're an experienced outdoor educator or just...