CYP Now - Special Report: Research: Outdoor Learning

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom is a charity that promotes the opportunity for all children to experience life and lessons beyond the classroom as a regular part of growing up. It provides support on the ground, facilitating the sharing of best practice and promoting the benefits of outdoor learning for engaging children in education

The different learning approach used by Forest Schools supports improved attainment

Outdoor learning spaces: the case of Forest School

F Harris, 2018

The learning environment can impact on children’s engagement. Taking children out of the classroom to an outdoor location, a novel learning space materially different from their usual learning environment, provides a different context and environment for learning and requires different learning and teaching styles.

Forest Schools are increasing in popularity in the UK and internationally. This form of teaching allows children to take part in regular learning experiences in an outdoor setting.

Forest Schools are led by a qualified practitioner and children attend over a period of time, usually weekly for at least a half term, sometimes throughout the school year. Sessions focus on raising confidence and self-esteem through small, repeatable tasks and nurturing personal, social and emotional development through social and team-working skills. Forest schools are sometimes described as “alternative education” but are increasingly incorporated into mainstream school activities despite not being part of the national curriculum.

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