Course Summary
Build your confidence, knowledge and practical skills in teaching the primary curriculum outdoors with this flexible Levels 1–4 training programme.
This course will help you turn everyday school grounds into meaningful learning environments using movement, practical experiences, natural materials and simple reusable resources.
You will discover how to take maths, English, phonics, science, geography, history, art, wellbeing and cross-curricular learning outside without relying on worksheets, expensive equipment or access to woodland.
The programme begins with the foundations of outdoor learning and gradually develops your planning, teaching, inclusion and leadership skills. Each level supports you in taking the next step, from delivering your first short outdoor activity to creating a consistent and purposeful approach across your class or school.
Course Level
Levels 1–4
Ideal for primary teachers who are new to outdoor learning, practitioners who want to strengthen their current practice and experienced educators who would like to embed outdoor learning more confidently across the curriculum.
Time to Complete
Complete the course online and work through each level and module at your own pace.
You can apply the ideas gradually within your own class, reflect on your practice and progress through the training when you feel ready.
What’s Included?
Practical training videos, inspiring podcast content, simple tasks to complete in your setting, curriculum-linked outdoor activity demonstrations, ideas using natural and reusable resources, guidance for EYFS, KS1 and KS2, strategies for supporting children with SEND, downloadable prompts and planning support, reflective challenges, a CPD certificate on completion and a special course crest to display within your school, setting, website or professional portfolio.
Level 1: Introduction to Outdoor Learning
Level 1 introduces the key principles of outdoor learning and helps you take your first manageable steps outside.
Module 1: What Is Outdoor Learning?
Explore what outdoor learning means and how it differs from Forest School, outdoor play and outdoor education.
Learn how outdoor learning can be used to teach the primary curriculum in playgrounds, courtyards, fields, gardens and ordinary school grounds.
Module 2: Why Take Learning Outdoors?
Discover how outdoor learning can support engagement, communication, confidence, movement, wellbeing and memorable curriculum experiences.
Explore how practical learning may support children who find lengthy desk-based activities challenging.
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Module 3: Starting Small
Learn how to adapt one short part of an existing lesson rather than redesigning your entire curriculum.
Explore simple starting points such as shape hunts, vocabulary walks, number trails, practical science observations and movement-based phonics.
Module 4: Creating a Simple Outdoor Toolkit
Discover how to use affordable, reusable resources including hoops, cones, rope, chalk, buckets, beanbags, bamboo canes, clipboards and reusable cards.
Learn how one small toolkit can be used across many different subjects and year groups.
Module 5: Establishing Outdoor Routines
Explore practical routines for moving outside, gathering children, gaining attention, defining boundaries and returning calmly to the classroom.
Learn how predictable routines can reduce waiting, confusion and unnecessary behaviour difficulties.
Level 1 Challenge
Plan and deliver one short outdoor learning activity linked to a curriculum objective.
Reflect on what worked well, how the children responded and what you would change next time.
Level 2: Teaching the Primary Curriculum Outdoors
Level 2 develops your practical teaching skills and shows you how to use outdoor learning across core and foundation subjects.
Module 1: Outdoor Maths
Explore practical ways to teach number, calculation, shape, measure, fractions, multiplication, data, area, perimeter and problem-solving outside.
Learn how movement and real objects can make abstract mathematical concepts easier to understand.
Module 2: Outdoor English and Muddy Phonics®
Discover how to use the outdoors to support phonics, spelling, vocabulary, storytelling, poetry, reading, speaking and listening.
Learn how Muddy Phonics® can complement your school’s existing systematic synthetic phonics programme through movement and practical repetition.
Module 3: Outdoor Science
Explore plants, habitats, seasonal change, materials, forces, light, sound and scientific enquiry using the school grounds.
Learn how to help children observe, predict, investigate, record and explain their findings.
Module 4: Outdoor Geography and History
Discover how to use maps, routes, local fieldwork, compass directions, timelines, role play and practical challenges to strengthen children’s understanding.
Learn how outdoor spaces can help children experience scale, chronology, place and change.
Module 5: Outdoor Art, Music and Creative Learning
Explore drawing from observation, temporary natural art, pattern, sound walks, rhythm, performance and large-scale collaborative creativity.
Learn how to use the outdoor environment as inspiration without creating unnecessary waste or collecting large quantities of natural materials.
Module 6: Assessment Outdoors
Learn how to assess children through observation, questioning, photographs, practical outcomes, discussion and follow-up work.
Explore how children can demonstrate understanding without every outdoor activity ending in a worksheet.
Level 2 Challenge
Plan and deliver an outdoor lesson in one curriculum subject.
Identify the learning objective, vocabulary, resources, adaptations and assessment opportunities before reflecting on the impact.
Level 3: Inclusive and Effective Outdoor Learning
Level 3 focuses on inclusion, behaviour, communication, wellbeing and adapting outdoor learning for the children in front of you.
Module 1: Supporting Children with SEND Outdoors
Discover how to adapt outdoor activities for autistic children, children with ADHD, communication differences, physical disabilities, sensory needs and varying levels of confidence.
Learn how visual prompts, smaller spaces, familiar routines and flexible participation can make outdoor learning more accessible.
Module 2: Sensory Needs and Emotional Regulation
Explore how outdoor spaces can support movement and regulation while recognising that being outside is not automatically calming for every child.
Learn how to consider noise, weather, transitions, clothing, insects, touch and open spaces when planning.
Module 3: Outdoor Behaviour and Clear Expectations
Learn how to use clear boundaries, short instructions, attention signals and purposeful activities to support positive behaviour.
Explore how to distinguish between children who are disengaged and those who may need movement, processing time or additional support.
Module 4: Communication and Mathematical or Subject-Specific Talk
Discover how outdoor learning can encourage richer conversations, reasoning, vocabulary and collaboration.
Learn how to use questions such as, “What do you notice?”, “How do you know?” and “Can you prove it?” to deepen learning.
Module 5: Adapting for Different Ages and Abilities
Explore how one activity can be simplified, extended or adapted for EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
Learn how to change the objective, vocabulary, equipment, level of independence and method of recording without creating several completely different lessons.
Module 6: Safety and Sensible Risk Management
Develop confidence in planning safe outdoor learning using your school’s existing procedures.
Explore supervision, boundaries, weather, equipment, clothing, hygiene and appropriate risk without removing all challenge from children’s experiences.
Level 3 Challenge
Choose one outdoor activity and adapt it for a child or group with additional needs.
Reflect on the barriers you identified, the adjustments you made and how those changes affected participation and learning.
Level 4: Embedding Outdoor Learning Across Your Practice
Level 4 supports experienced practitioners who want outdoor learning to become consistent, purposeful and sustainable.
Module 1: Planning Progression in Outdoor Learning
Explore how outdoor experiences can develop across year groups rather than repeating the same simple activities.
Learn how to plan increasing challenge, independence, subject knowledge and practical application from EYFS to KS2.
Module 2: Linking Outdoor Learning to School Priorities
Discover how outdoor learning can contribute to priorities such as curriculum engagement, SEND, communication, physical activity, wellbeing, sustainability and reducing unnecessary printing.
Learn how to remain realistic and evidence impact rather than making broad claims.
Module 3: Supporting Colleagues
Explore ways to share practical ideas, model lessons, reduce staff anxiety and help colleagues begin with achievable changes.
Learn how to create a supportive culture rather than placing outdoor learning on one enthusiastic member of staff.
Module 4: Auditing Your Current Provision
Review how outdoor spaces, resources and staff knowledge are currently being used.
Identify strengths, gaps, underused areas and opportunities to make outdoor learning more consistent.
Module 5: Reducing Workload and Improving Sustainability
Learn how to adapt existing planning, reuse simple resources and reduce reliance on single-use worksheets.
Explore ways to create a manageable outdoor toolkit and shared bank of ideas that can be used across the school.
Module 6: Evaluating Impact
Discover how to gather useful evidence through observations, pupil voice, teacher reflection, curriculum outcomes and examples of children’s work.
Learn how to identify whether outdoor learning is improving understanding, participation, communication or confidence.
Module 7: Creating Your Outdoor Learning Action Plan
Develop a realistic action plan for your class, year group or whole school.
Set clear priorities, identify manageable next steps and decide how progress will be reviewed.
Level 4 Challenge
Plan, deliver and evaluate a short sequence of outdoor learning experiences.
Reflect on curriculum impact, inclusion, staff confidence, pupil engagement and the next stage of your outdoor learning development.
Who Is It For?
This course is ideal for primary school teachers, EYFS practitioners, KS1 and KS2 teachers, teaching assistants, learning support assistants, SEND practitioners, curriculum leaders, subject leaders, outdoor learning coordinators, school leaders, trainee teachers, home educators and anyone who wants to make primary learning more practical, active and memorable.
What Will You Learn?
By the end of Levels 1–4, you will feel more confident planning, delivering and evaluating purposeful outdoor learning across the primary curriculum.
You will understand how to use ordinary school grounds, simple reusable resources and existing lesson objectives to create meaningful outdoor experiences.
You will also know how to establish routines, support children with SEND, assess learning, adapt activities for different ages and help outdoor learning become a sustainable part of everyday school practice.
What Will You Receive?
After successfully completing the programme, you will receive a CPD certificate and an exclusive Outdoor Learning Training for Primary School Teachers: Levels 1–4 course crest to display within your school, setting, professional portfolio, website or business.
Why Choose The Muddy Puddle Teacher®?
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach is designed by teachers for real primary schools.
We are not Forest School.
We help teachers take maths, phonics, English, science, geography, history and other curriculum subjects outside using simple, sustainable and reusable resources.
You do not need woodland, expensive equipment or elaborate outdoor classrooms. You can begin with the school grounds, curriculum objectives and resources you already have.
Our training helps teachers reduce unnecessary printing, lower workload and create more active, practical and memorable learning experiences.
Begin Your Outdoor Learning Training
Start at Level 1 to understand the foundations, progress through Levels 2 and 3 to strengthen your curriculum and inclusive practice, and complete Level 4 when you are ready to embed outdoor learning more consistently.
Upgrade to a Gold Account to Access This Course
Uncover more helpful guidance, practical ideas and professional development opportunities in our Outdoor Learning Training Hub.
Let’s Learn Outdoors
Outdoor Learning Training Programme for Primary Schools
The Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach
Outdoor learning isn’t just a break from the classroom—it’s a powerful, research-backed way to deepen children’s understanding, improve wellbeing, and bring the curriculum to life. Our “Let’s Learn Outdoors” training programme introduces primary educators to The Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach: a practical, creative, and accessible framework for embedding outdoor learning into everyday teaching.
Discover more helpful tips and tricks in our Outdoor Learning Training Hub.
What is the Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach?
The Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach is built on a simple idea: learning happens everywhere. Whether it’s a playground, school field, local park, or even a small outdoor corner, this approach helps teachers transform ordinary spaces into rich learning environments.
It focuses on:
- Curriculum-linked outdoor activities
- Child-led exploration and curiosity
- Seasonal and nature-based learning
- Wellbeing, resilience, and engagement
- Inclusive and adaptable teaching methods
Online Training: Flexible and Accessible
Our programme can be completed entirely online, making it ideal for busy schools and staff teams.
How it works:
- Delivered through live interactive sessions and/or self-paced modules
- Includes videos, demonstrations, lesson ideas, and planning tools
- Opportunities for discussion, reflection, and Q&A
- Downloadable resources to use immediately in school
Duration:
Schools can choose from flexible options:
- Introductory course: 2–3 hours
- Half-day training: 3–4 hours
- Full programme: 6–8 hours (split across sessions)
Sessions can be scheduled to fit staff meetings, INSET days, or twilight training.
Who is it for?
This programme is designed for:
- Primary school teachers (EYFS, KS1, KS2)
- Teaching assistants and support staff
- SEN staff and inclusion teams
- School leaders looking to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum
No prior experience in outdoor learning is needed—just a willingness to step outside!
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the training, participants will:
- Feel confident delivering curriculum-based outdoor lessons
- Understand how to use any outdoor space effectively
- Have a bank of practical, ready-to-use activities
- Know how to manage risk safely and confidently
- Be able to engage all learners, including those who struggle indoors
Face-to-Face Training Options
For schools looking for a more immersive experience, we also offer on-site, face-to-face training.
What this includes:
- Practical, hands-on outdoor sessions with your staff
- Live modelling of activities with real pupils (optional)
- Support in developing your school grounds for learning
- Tailored training based on your school’s needs
Formats available:
- Twilight sessions (1.5–2 hours)
- Half-day or full-day INSET
- Ongoing support and mentoring packages
Why Choose Outdoor Learning?
Schools that adopt outdoor learning often see:
- Increased pupil engagement and motivation
- Improved behaviour and focus
- Enhanced wellbeing for both pupils and staff
- Deeper, more meaningful learning experiences
- Enrol now
Get Started
Whether you choose online training for flexibility or face-to-face sessions for hands-on experience, the Let’s Learn Outdoors programme will give your team the tools, confidence, and inspiration to take learning beyond the classroom.
Step outside. Start small. Make a big impact.
