Outdoor Learning Online Training
Grow your confidence with our online outdoor learning courses and discover how to bring The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach into your setting. Our accredited CPD outdoor learning pathway and outdoor learning and outdoor play courses are designed for teachers, Early Years practitioners, school leaders, SEND staff and outdoor learning leads who want practical, purposeful and curriculum-linked ways to take learning and play outside.
Learn at your own pace, build your skills step by step and gain the confidence to deliver outdoor learning in a simple, low-cost and sustainable way.
Perfect for individuals, small schools & nurseries or international schools.
Choose Your Pathways
Our online CPD pathway includes:
- Courses – Upgrade to Gold Membership
Perfect for those who want to build their confidence in outdoor learning. - Accredited CPD Training – Upgrade to Ultimate Membership
Ideal for those wanting to become accredited practitioners and then coordinators and trainers.
Why Is The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach One of the Best Ways to Start Outdoor Learning?
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach has been created by teachers to make outdoor learning practical, purposeful and easy to use in real schools and settings. We help you take the subjects you already teach indoors—including maths, English, phonics, science and geography—and deliver them outside using clear learning objectives and simple methods.
You do not need a forest, expensive equipment or a large outdoor space. Our approach uses a small, reusable toolkit including bamboo, rope, chalk, hoops, natural materials and loose parts. These flexible resources can be used across different subjects, ages and abilities, helping to reduce printing, workload and unnecessary spending.
Our training supports Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and SEND practitioners. You can learn online, attend an in-person event or book us to train your whole school or setting. Everything is designed to be inclusive, sustainable and easy to put into practice, helping staff build confidence and create richer, more active learning experiences for every child.
Step One Gold Account:
Build Your Confidence with Practical Outdoor Learning Courses
Our online outdoor learning courses are designed for busy teachers and practitioners who want practical, achievable ways to take learning outside. Explore training for Early Years, primary education, SEND, outdoor play, maths and staff development, with ideas that can be adapted to the children, curriculum and outdoor space you already have. For more inspiration on building your outdoor space explore – Outdoor Inspirational Spaces Blog
Each course helps you understand what to do, why it works and how to put it into practice without expensive equipment or complicated preparation. Learn online at your own pace, revisit the training whenever you need support and build your confidence one manageable step at a time.
These practical online courses are available exclusively to Gold Account holders. Upgrade to Gold to access the full course library and discover simple, sustainable approaches that can help you create more active, inclusive and memorable learning experiences for every child. Browse all of the courses in your GOLD Account below.
Biodiversity in Primary Schools: A Whole-School Outdoor Learning Course
Create a practical whole-school plan that brings biodiversity, sustainability and outdoor learning to life.
Teaching Focus Groups Outdoors in the Early Years
Discover how to take focused teaching outdoors while keeping learning purposeful, playful and manageable
Outdoor Learning Specialism: Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
Course Information at a Glance Course length: Approximately 4hours Course format: Online and self-paced Who is it for? Teachers, teaching assistants, SENDCos, Early Years practitioners, literacy leads, maths leads, intervention staff, special-school practitioners and...
Outdoor Learning Specialism: Speech, Language & Non-Speaking Learners
Create inclusive outdoor experiences that support communication, interaction and every child’s right to participate.
Outdoor Learning Specialism: Autism and Autistic Learners
Make outdoor learning calmer, more predictable and accessible for autistic children in your setting.
Outdoor Learning Specialism: Behaviour and SEMH
Use outdoor learning to strengthen regulation, relationships, engagement and emotional wellbeing.
Step Two Ultimate Account:
Become An Accredited Outdoor Learning Practitioner & Trainer
Our online outdoor learning training is designed for educators who want more than a collection of activity ideas. These structured Levels 1–4 programmes help you build your knowledge, confidence and practical skills while developing a deeper understanding of how to lead high-quality outdoor learning in your role or setting. Training pathways are available for primary teachers, Early Years practitioners, childminders and SEND professionals.
You can work through the training online at your own pace, developing from the foundations of outdoor practice towards stronger leadership, planning and whole-setting improvement. The programmes are designed to help you use simple, sustainable methods, connect outdoor learning to children’s development and the curriculum, and create changes that continue long after the training has finished.
These accredited outdoor learning training programmes are available exclusively to Ultimate Account holders. By upgrading to Ultimate, you will receive access to the full training pathway as well as the practical online courses included with Gold, giving you everything you need to learn, progress and lead outdoor learning with confidence. Browse all of the accredited training below.
Accredited Outdoor Phonics Training
Early Years: Outdoor Play Training Level 1 – 4
Course Summary Develop your confidence, knowledge and leadership skills in delivering high-quality outdoor play across Early Years. This flexible training programme takes you from the foundations of outdoor play through to planning, development and whole-setting...
SEND: Outdoor Learning Training & Play Level 1-4
Course Summary Develop your confidence, knowledge and practical skills in using outdoor learning to support children and young people with SEND through this flexible Levels 2–4 training programme. This course is designed for practitioners who already understand the...
Primary Teachers: Outdoor Learning Training (Levels 1-4)
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...
Outdoor Learning Coordinators Award (Level 5)
Perfect for those that are leading with outdoor learning. A year-long, supportive mentorship. Complete resources pack including staff meetings powerpoints to evaluating pupil and staff voices and reporting to governors. Certificate and crest upon completion. Level 5...
Other Ways You Can Train with Us
Prefer to learn with your team or take part in practical, face-to-face training? Alongside our online courses and accredited training pathways, The Muddy Puddle Teacher® also offers INSET training for schools, nurseries, SEND settings and organisations. We can visit your setting and deliver practical outdoor learning training tailored to your staff, children, priorities and outdoor space.
Our Outdoor Learning INSET sessions are designed to build staff confidence and give teams ideas they can use straight away. Training can focus on outdoor curriculum teaching, Early Years outdoor play, SEND, staff development, wellbeing, behaviour or a whole-setting approach. We use simple, sustainable equipment and show staff how to make the most of playgrounds, yards, fields and the outdoor spaces they already have.
You can also attend one of our in-person outdoor learning training events in Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool or London. These events provide practical demonstrations, opportunities to try our methods and the chance to learn alongside other teachers and practitioners. Choose online learning for flexibility, book Outdoor INSET training for your whole team, or join us at a live event for a hands-on training experience.
Meet Sarah Seaman PGCE- Creator of Your Courses
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® online courses have been created by Sarah Seaman, a qualified teacher, published author with Bloomsbury, outdoor learning consultant and founder of The Muddy Puddle Teacher®. With a BSc, PGCE and MA, Sarah has worked across education and has supported teachers, nurseries, schools and specialist settings to make outdoor learning practical, inclusive and achievable. Are you new to Outdoor Learning? Explore our Beginners Guide to Outdoor Learning to help clarify how Sarah’s specific approach is so effective.
Sarah developed the courses after seeing how many educators wanted to teach outside but felt unsure about planning, resources, behaviour, curriculum coverage and risk. Her approach focuses on taking the subjects you already teach and delivering them outdoors using simple, reusable materials such as bamboo, rope, chalk, hoops and natural resources.
As a teacher, educational author and experienced trainer, Sarah understands the realities of busy classrooms and settings. Every course is designed to give you clear guidance, practical demonstrations and ideas you can use straight away—without needing a forest, a huge budget or hours of additional preparation. Browse other ways to train with us below. Explore Sarah’s published books with Bloomsbury.
Other Ways of Training with Us
Choose the training format that works best for you and your team. Learn flexibly through our online outdoor learning courses, book practical INSET training for your school or setting, or join us at one of our live events. Our events include interactive webinars, hands-on workshops and outdoor learning festivals where educators can learn, connect and discover practical ideas to take back to their children.
Online Outdoor Learning FAQ’s
Who are the online outdoor learning courses for?
Our online courses are designed for teachers, teaching assistants, Early Years practitioners, nursery teams, childminders, SEND professionals, outdoor learning leads and school leaders.
There are courses for complete beginners as well as educators who want to deepen their knowledge, develop their leadership skills or introduce outdoor learning across a whole setting.
Do I need outdoor learning experience before starting?
No. You do not need any previous outdoor learning, outdoor play or Forest School experience.
Our starter courses introduce outdoor learning in a clear and manageable way. You can begin with the foundations and build your confidence step by step.
What is the difference between the online courses and accredited training?
Our practical online courses are designed to give you focused guidance, demonstrations and ideas that you can use in your setting. These courses are available through a Gold Account.
Our accredited Levels 1–4 training pathways offer a more structured professional development programme. They take you from the foundations of outdoor learning towards planning, leadership and whole-setting improvement. These programmes are available through an Ultimate Account.
Which membership do I need to access the courses?
You will need a Gold Account to access our practical outdoor learning course library.
You will need an Ultimate Account to access our accredited Levels 1–4 training pathways. Ultimate members also receive access to the practical courses included with Gold.
Always check the individual course page before joining to confirm which membership level is required.
What is included with a Gold Account?
A Gold Account gives you access to our practical online outdoor learning courses.
Courses may cover areas such as:
Early Years outdoor play
Outdoor maths
Communication and language outdoors
Primary curriculum teaching
SEND and inclusive outdoor practice
Supporting staff outdoors
Subject-specific outdoor learning
Each course is designed to offer practical ideas that can be adapted to your age group, setting and available outdoor space.
What is included with an Ultimate Account?
An Ultimate Account includes access to the practical Gold course library as well as our structured and accredited outdoor learning training pathways.
These pathways are designed for educators who want to develop their knowledge more deeply, progress through different training levels and take a stronger role in leading outdoor learning.
Are the courses CPD accredited?
Some of our structured Levels 1–4 training pathways are accredited CPD programmes.
The practical Gold courses support professional development but may not all carry formal accreditation. Please check the description of the individual course to see whether it is accredited and what certificate is available.
Will I receive a certificate?
Certificates are available for eligible courses and training programmes once the required content and tasks have been completed.
The individual course page will explain whether a certificate is included and what you need to do to receive it.
Can I use the certificate as evidence of CPD?
Yes. You can add eligible certificates to your CPD record, appraisal evidence or professional development portfolio.
You may also wish to record what you learned, how you applied it in practice and the impact it had on your children or setting.
Can I complete the courses in my own time?
Yes. The courses are designed to be flexible and can be completed online at your own pace.
You can work through the modules around your teaching, family and work commitments rather than having to attend at a fixed time.
How long does each course take?
Course length varies depending on the topic and training level.
Some starter courses can be completed in shorter sessions, while the Levels 1–4 pathways require more time, reflection and practical application.
Check the individual course page for estimated completion information.
Do I have to complete a course in one sitting?
No. You can usually work through the course in manageable sections and return when it is convenient.
This allows you to watch a module, try an idea in your setting and come back to continue your learning.
Can I revisit the training?
You can revisit the courses while you have the required active membership and the course remains available within the library.
This is useful when planning a new topic, supporting a colleague or refreshing your knowledge later in the year.
Are there deadlines for completing the courses?
Most of our online courses are self-paced.
There may be specific completion requirements for some accredited programmes, so please check the individual training page for any deadlines or assessment information.
Are the courses suitable for Early Years practitioners?
Yes. We offer training specifically for nurseries, preschools, Reception classes, childminders and Early Years teams.
Topics include outdoor play, maths, communication and language, staff development, inclusive practice and creating purposeful outdoor provision.
Are the courses suitable for primary teachers?
Yes. Our primary training supports teachers working across KS1 and KS2.
You can discover practical ways to take curriculum subjects such as maths, English, science, phonics and geography outdoors while keeping clear learning objectives.
Are the courses suitable for secondary teachers?
The main focus of our current course library is Early Years and primary education.
Some outdoor learning, wellbeing, SEND and staff-development principles may still be useful in secondary or specialist settings. Check the individual course content carefully to decide whether it is appropriate for your role.
Are the courses suitable for SEND settings?
Yes. We offer courses designed specifically to help educators support children and young people with SEND outdoors.
Training may include inclusive planning, sensory needs, communication, emotional regulation, engagement, autism and adapting activities for different needs and abilities.
I work in an alternative provision or PRU. Are the courses relevant?
Yes. Many of the strategies can be adapted for alternative provisions, pupil referral units, nurture groups and specialist settings.
Outdoor learning can support engagement, relationships, movement, confidence, emotional wellbeing and regulation. You can select the courses that best match your pupils and setting priorities.
Are the courses suitable for childminders?
Yes. We offer a dedicated childminder training pathway as well as practical courses that can be adapted for home-based childcare and smaller outdoor spaces.
You do not need a school field, large garden or expensive equipment to take part.
Can teaching assistants complete the courses?
Yes. Teaching assistants, higher-level teaching assistants and support staff can complete the courses.
The training can help support staff feel more confident when leading outdoor activities, adapting learning and supporting individual children or groups.
Can school leaders complete the training?
Yes. Headteachers, deputy heads, curriculum leaders, SENDCos and Early Years leaders can use the training to develop their own knowledge and support whole-school improvement.
The higher training levels are particularly useful for educators who want to lead, plan or embed outdoor learning across a team.
Do I need access to a forest?
No. The Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach is designed to work in everyday educational spaces.
You can use playgrounds, yards, nursery gardens, fields, sports areas and small outdoor spaces. You do not need woodland access or a Forest School site.
Is this the same as Forest School training?
No. Our outdoor learning courses do not qualify you as a Forest School leader.
The Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach focuses on outdoor curriculum teaching, outdoor play and inclusive practice using everyday spaces and simple resources.
Do I need specialist or expensive equipment?
No. Our approach uses simple, reusable and low-cost resources.
These may include:
Chalk
Hoops
Rope
Bamboo
Natural materials
Loose parts
Upcycled resources
You can usually begin with equipment already available in your school, nursery or setting.
Will the courses show practical activities?
Yes. The courses are designed to be practical rather than purely theoretical.
Depending on the course, you may see activity demonstrations, examples from educational settings, planning guidance, resource suggestions and ideas to try with your own children.
Will the courses help me link outdoor learning to the curriculum?
Yes. Many of our courses show how to teach subjects you already deliver indoors through practical outdoor methods.
The aim is not to add another subject to your workload. It is to help you deliver existing curriculum objectives in active, memorable and purposeful ways.
Can I focus on just one subject?
Yes. You can choose focused courses in areas such as outdoor maths, English, phonics, science or Early Years learning.
You do not have to complete every course or introduce outdoor learning across the entire curriculum at once.
Do I have to follow the courses in a particular order?
Starter and subject-specific courses can usually be selected according to your needs.
For structured Levels 1–4 pathways, it is best to work through the training in order so that your knowledge and confidence develop progressively.
What do the different course levels mean?
Level 1 introduces the foundations and is suitable for beginners.
Later levels develop planning, practical application, confidence, reflective practice and leadership. Levels 2–4 are intended to help you move from trying outdoor learning to embedding and leading it more consistently.
The exact structure may vary between training pathways, so check the individual course details.
Will there be assignments or assessments?
Some accredited programmes may include reflective tasks, practical activities, evidence or assessments.
Practical starter courses may involve simple tasks to try in your own setting rather than formal written assignments.
The course page will explain what is required before you begin.
Do I need to work in a school to complete the practical tasks?
No. Tasks can usually be adapted for nurseries, childminding settings, SEND provisions, home education and other educational environments.
Where a task involves children or a particular setting, you should adapt it appropriately for your own role and responsibilities.
Can I complete the courses if I am not currently working with children?
Yes. You can still study the course content and build your knowledge.
However, some training may be more meaningful when you can try the ideas in practice and reflect on how children respond.
Can several members of staff use one account?
Accounts and course access should only be used in line with the membership terms.
A personal membership should not normally be shared between several members of staff. Contact The Muddy Puddle Teacher team to discuss suitable access for a school, nursery or larger team.
Can a whole school complete the training?
Yes. Schools and settings can use online training as part of staff development.
You may choose individual memberships, suitable team access or combine online learning with an in-person INSET day. Contact us to discuss the best option for your team size and training goals.
Can we use the courses during an INSET day?
Yes, provided that your account and licence allow the course to be used with a group.
Schools may also prefer to book a tailored Muddy Puddle Teacher INSET session so that the training can be adapted to their staff, children, priorities and outdoor space.
Can international educators access the courses?
Yes. The courses can be accessed online and are suitable for educators in different countries.
Although some curriculum references relate to the English EYFS and National Curriculum, the practical outdoor learning principles can be adapted to different education systems.
What device do I need?
You will need a reliable internet connection and a computer, laptop, tablet or suitable mobile device.
A larger screen may make it easier to watch demonstrations, read course materials and complete any written tasks.
What should I do if a video or course will not load?
First, refresh the page and check your internet connection.
You can also try signing out and signing back in, clearing your browser cache or using another browser or device.
If the problem continues, contact our customer service team with the name of the course and a screenshot of the issue.
I have upgraded, but the course is still locked. What should I do?
Check that you are signed in using the same email address connected to your membership.
It may also help to sign out, refresh the website and sign back in. If the course remains unavailable, contact us so that we can check your account access.
What happens if I cancel my membership?
Your access to membership-only courses will normally end in line with your subscription and cancellation terms.
Make sure you complete any important course work and download eligible certificates before your access finishes.
Please check the membership terms for full cancellation information.
Will new courses be added?
Yes. The online library continues to grow as new outdoor learning, outdoor play, curriculum and SEND courses are developed.
New courses may be added to different membership levels, so check the training hub and your account regularly.
Who created the courses?
The courses were created by Sarah Seaman, a qualified teacher, educational consultant and founder of The Muddy Puddle Teacher®.
Sarah developed the training to help educators overcome common barriers such as lack of confidence, limited outdoor space, curriculum pressures, behaviour concerns and the cost of equipment.
Are the courses delivered by practising educators?
The training has been created from classroom experience and is designed around the realities of working in educational settings.
Course content and training are developed and delivered by qualified educators who understand curriculum expectations, staff workload and the practical challenges of taking children outside.
Can I try any training before upgrading?
Free guides, articles, videos, podcasts and selected introductory learning may be available through The Muddy Puddle Teacher Free Hub.
These resources can help you understand our approach before choosing a Gold or Ultimate membership.
How do I choose the right course?
Start by thinking about your current role and the change you want to make.
Choose a starter course if you are new to outdoor learning. Select a subject or Early Years course if you have a specific focus. Choose a Levels 1–4 pathway if you want structured development, accreditation or greater responsibility for leading outdoor learning.
Who can I contact if I need help choosing?
Please contact The Muddy Puddle Teacher team if you are unsure which course, pathway or membership is right for you.
Email: info@themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk