Build your confidence in using outdoor learning to support children with SEND through this practical and flexible Level 1 starter course.
This course will help you create simple, inclusive outdoor learning experiences for children with a wide range of additional needs.
You will explore how movement, practical resources, nature, sensory experiences and predictable outdoor routines can support communication, engagement, emotional regulation, confidence and curriculum access.
The course recognises that being outside is not automatically calming or accessible for every child. You will learn how to adapt outdoor learning for children who experience sensory differences, communication needs, physical disabilities, anxiety, developmental differences or difficulty managing transitions.
You do not need woodland, specialist facilities or expensive equipment. The course focuses on ordinary playgrounds, gardens, courtyards and school grounds, using simple reusable resources and flexible approaches.
Course Level
Level 1: Starter Level –
Ideal for practitioners who are new to SEND outdoor learning or would like achievable ideas to make their current outdoor provision more inclusive.
Time to Complete
Complete the course online and work through each module at your own pace.
You can pause between modules, try the strategies within your setting and return to the course when you are ready.
What’s Included?
Practical training videos, inspiring podcast content, simple inclusive tasks to try in your setting, SEND-friendly outdoor activity demonstrations, guidance for adapting communication and instructions, ideas using natural and reusable resources, support for sensory differences and emotional regulation, downloadable prompts and planning guidance, a CPD certificate on completion and a special course crest to display within your setting, website or professional portfolio.
Module Content
Module 1: What Is SEND Outdoor Learning?
Explore what inclusive outdoor learning looks like and how it can support children with different strengths, needs and ways of communicating.
Learn how outdoor learning can be used for curriculum teaching, emotional wellbeing, communication, physical development and practical life skills.
Discover why inclusion does not mean every child completing the same activity in exactly the same way.
Upgrade to a Gold Account to Access This Course
Module 2: Why Take SEND Learning Outdoors?
Explore how outdoor learning may provide movement, space, real objects and practical experiences that help some children access learning more successfully.
Learn how outdoor activities can support attention, communication, confidence, independence and opportunities to demonstrate understanding without relying entirely on written work.
This module also considers why the outdoors can be difficult for some pupils and why activities must be adapted thoughtfully.
Module 3: Understanding Individual Needs
Develop a child-centred approach to outdoor learning.
Explore how communication differences, sensory preferences, physical needs, anxiety, attention, working memory and previous experiences may affect participation.
Learn to identify barriers before planning an activity and consider what support will help each child feel safe, understood and included.
Module 4: Creating Predictable Outdoor Routines
Discover how clear and consistent routines can reduce anxiety around outdoor transitions.
Explore visual timetables, first-and-then prompts, familiar attention signals, defined working areas and calm routines for returning indoors.
Learn how preparing children before a session can make outdoor learning feel more manageable.
Module 5: Communication Outdoors
Explore practical ways to support children who use speech, signs, symbols, communication boards, gestures, objects of reference or alternative communication systems.
Learn how to reduce unnecessary language, give one instruction at a time and allow additional processing time.
Discover how children can demonstrate understanding by pointing, matching, choosing, moving, sorting, building or photographing.
Upgrade to a Gold Account to Access This Course
Module 6: Sensory Differences Outdoors
Explore how sound, wind, rain, sunlight, smells, insects, clothing and natural textures may affect children differently.
Learn how to provide choice, prepare children for sensory changes and create quieter or more sheltered alternatives.
Children should never be forced to touch mud, water, plants, insects or unfamiliar materials as part of an outdoor activity.
Module 7: Emotional Regulation and Movement
Discover how purposeful movement may support some children before, during or after learning.
Explore simple activities using walking, carrying, pushing, pulling, balancing and repetitive movement.
Learn how to observe whether a child needs more movement, less stimulation, a quieter space or time with a familiar adult.
Outdoor regulation should support the child rather than become a reward, punishment or demand for perfect stillness.
Module 8: Creating a Simple SEND Outdoor Toolkit
Discover how to create a flexible toolkit using simple, reusable resources.
Useful items may include hoops, cones, chalk, buckets, beanbags, rope, visual cards, communication prompts, timers, clipboards and larger equipment that is easier to hold or see.
Learn how to choose resources that are clear, familiar and adaptable rather than overwhelming children with too many options.
Module 9: Supporting Curriculum Learning Outdoors
Explore how maths, phonics, communication, science, geography and creative learning can be adapted for children with SEND.
Children may count real objects, match symbols, follow a simple route, explore shape with rope, identify environmental sounds or investigate one small habitat.
Learn how to keep the curriculum objective clear while adjusting the task, language, resources and expected response.
Module 10: Outdoor Learning for Autistic Children
Explore ways to support autistic children who may benefit from predictability, visual information, focused interests and clear boundaries.
Learn how to reduce uncertainty, avoid unnecessary sensory demands and provide flexible ways to participate.
This module emphasises that autistic children are individuals and that one strategy will not suit everyone.
Module 11: Supporting Children with ADHD Outdoors
Discover how movement and practical activity may help some children with ADHD engage with learning.
Explore short challenges, clear instructions, purposeful physical roles and opportunities to reset attention.
Learn how to avoid activities that involve excessive waiting, too many steps or unclear expectations.
Outdoor learning should offer structure as well as movement.
Module 12: Supporting Physical and Mobility Needs
Explore how outdoor activities can be adapted for children with mobility differences, fatigue, coordination difficulties or physical disabilities.
Learn how to consider surfaces, routes, positioning, equipment size, access and alternative ways to complete an activity.
A child may participate from a seated position, use a tray or tabletop, work with a partner or direct others during a practical task.
Module 13: Supporting Children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Discover how outdoor experiences can create meaningful opportunities for shared attention, vocabulary and communication.
Explore commenting, modelling, waiting, offering choices and using repeated phrases within practical activities.
Learn how to avoid turning every outdoor experience into a series of questions or demands for spoken answers.
Module 14: Supporting Positive Behaviour Outdoors
Explore how behaviour may communicate sensory discomfort, anxiety, confusion, difficulty processing language or unmet needs.
Learn how clear routines, purposeful tasks, accessible resources and reduced waiting can support participation.
This module encourages adults to look beyond the behaviour and consider what the child may be communicating.
Module 15: Safety, Risk and Inclusion
Develop confidence in planning outdoor activities that are both safe and meaningful.
Explore supervision, boundaries, weather, clothing, equipment, hygiene and individual risk considerations.
Learn how safety planning can include children with additional needs without removing all challenge, independence or choice.
Module 16: Your Inclusive Outdoor Learning Challenge
Complete a practical task within your own setting by planning and delivering one simple outdoor activity for a child or small group with SEND.
Identify the learning goal, possible barriers, communication support, sensory adjustments and flexible ways to participate.
Reflect on what worked well, how the children responded and what you would adapt next time.
Who Is It For?
This course is ideal for SEND teachers, mainstream classroom teachers, teaching assistants, learning support assistants, SENDCos, nursery practitioners, Reception teachers, specialist-school staff, alternative-provision teams, nurture practitioners, childminders, wraparound staff, parents, home educators and anyone supporting children with additional needs outdoors.
What Will You Learn?
By the end of the course, you will feel more confident planning simple, inclusive outdoor learning experiences for children with SEND.
You will understand how to identify barriers, prepare children for transitions, adapt language, use visual support and provide different ways for children to participate.
You will also learn how to use ordinary outdoor spaces and simple resources to support curriculum learning, communication, movement, emotional regulation and confidence.
What Will You Receive?
After successfully completing the course, you will receive a CPD certificate and an exclusive Level 1 Outdoor Learning SEND Course crest to display within your setting, website, business or professional portfolio.
Why Choose The Muddy Puddle Teacher®?
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach is designed for real schools, specialist settings and childcare environments.
You do not need woodland, expensive sensory equipment or a purpose-built outdoor classroom.
We help practitioners use playgrounds, gardens, courtyards and everyday outdoor spaces to support curriculum learning, communication, regulation and inclusion.
Our approach recognises that children with SEND should not be expected to fit one rigid activity. The activity, environment and adult support should adapt to the child.
Begin Your SEND Outdoor Learning Training
Start with one child, one clear objective and one manageable outdoor experience.
Plan for communication, sensory needs, movement and choice.
Observe how the child responds and adapt the approach from there.
Upgrade to a Gold Account to Access This Course
Uncover more practical guidance, specialist training and inclusive resources in our SEND Outdoor Learning Training Hub.
Outdoor Learning Programme: Let’s Learn (SEND & Specialist Schools)
Our Outdoor Learning Programme: Let’s Learn is a carefully designed, inclusive programme created specifically for SEND and specialist schools. At The Muddy Puddle Teacher, we use outdoor learning alongside our soft resources toolkit to support children with a wide range of additional needs—helping them engage, regulate, and thrive in a way that works for them.
What Is the Let’s Learn Outdoor Learning Programme?
Let’s Learn is a structured outdoor learning programme tailored to meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Delivered in natural environments, the programme focuses on building confidence, communication, and emotional wellbeing through hands-on, experiential learning.
A key part of our approach is the use of a soft resources toolkit—carefully selected, low-demand, sensory-friendly resources that support engagement without overwhelming learners. These tools help create a safe, predictable environment where children feel comfortable exploring and learning.
Sessions are adapted to each group, ensuring every child can access learning in a way that feels supportive, structured, and achievable.
Ready to train with us? Explore more helpful tips and tricks in our Outdoor Learning Training Hub.
Why Outdoor Learning Works for SEND
Outdoor learning removes many of the barriers children experience in traditional classrooms. Open spaces, sensory-rich environments, and flexible learning approaches help children feel calmer, more engaged, and better able to regulate.
When combined with our soft resources toolkit, this approach becomes even more effective—offering familiar, accessible materials that support communication, reduce anxiety, and encourage participation.
Our programme supports:
- Reduced anxiety and sensory overload
- Improved focus and engagement
- Better emotional regulation
- Increased confidence and independence
- Stronger communication and social interaction
For many children in SEND and specialist settings, outdoor learning isn’t just beneficial—it’s transformational.
Explore more helpful tips and tricks in our Outdoor Learning Training Hub.
What Is a Soft Resources Toolkit?
Our soft resources toolkit is a collection of adaptable, low-pressure learning tools designed specifically for children with additional needs.
These may include:
- Sensory objects and tactile materials
- Visual supports and communication aids
- Simple, open-ended resources that encourage exploration
- Familiar, calming items that support emotional regulation
Unlike rigid or highly structured equipment, these resources are designed to be flexible, non-threatening, and child-led—allowing learners to engage at their own pace without pressure.
What Does the Programme Include?
Our Let’s Learn outdoor learning programme is designed to be flexible, engaging, and impactful:
🌿 Sensory-Rich Learning Experiences
Activities that combine nature with soft resources to support sensory needs through movement, touch, and exploration.
🌿 Communication & Social Development
Opportunities to build interaction and communication using both natural materials and supportive tools from our toolkit.
🌿 Emotional Regulation & Wellbeing
Calm, structured activities supported by familiar resources that help children feel safe and regulated.
🌿 Physical Development
Climbing, balancing, and exploring outdoor spaces to build strength, coordination, and confidence.
🌿 Personalised Learning
Sessions adapted to meet individual EHCP targets and learning goals, using the right combination of environment and resources.
Who Is This Programme For?
The Let’s Learn outdoor learning programme is ideal for:
- SEND schools and specialist provisions
- Alternative provision settings
- Pupils with SEMH needs
- Children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing needs
- Learners who find traditional classroom environments challenging
We meet children where they are—supporting progress at their own pace with the right tools and environment.
How the Programme Works
- Delivered on-site or at a suitable outdoor location
- Led by experienced outdoor learning practitioners
- Structured yet flexible sessions
- Supported by our soft resources toolkit
- Built around consistency and routine
- Focused on long-term impact and development
We work closely with schools to ensure the programme aligns with your setting’s needs and priorities.
Benefits of Our Outdoor Learning Programme
Schools taking part in Let’s Learn often see:
- Improved behaviour and engagement
- Increased participation and confidence
- Better emotional wellbeing and regulation
- Stronger relationships between pupils and staff
- Progress in communication and social skills
The combination of outdoor learning and soft, supportive resources creates an environment where children feel safe enough to succeed.
Why Choose The Muddy Puddle Teacher?
We specialise in outdoor learning programmes for SEND and specialist schools, offering:
- Inclusive, child-centred approaches
- A unique soft resources toolkit to support engagement
- Experienced and supportive practitioners
- Sessions tailored to individual needs
- A strong focus on wellbeing and development
We understand the challenges SEND settings face—and we provide practical solutions that truly work.
Start Your Outdoor Learning Journey
If you’re looking for an outdoor learning programme for SEND that makes a real difference, Let’s Learn is the perfect choice.
Get in touch today to find out how we can support your setting and help your learners thrive through outdoor learning.
