Outdoor Learning

What is Outdoor Learning?

At Warden House, we recognise that children learn in many different ways. Alongside high-quality teaching in the classroom, children also learn through exploration, discovery and play. As approximately 20% of their time in school is spent at playtime, we want to ensure that this time is as valuable, engaging and enjoyable as possible. This represents the equivalent of around 1.4 years of a child's primary education.

Over time, you will notice the ongoing development of different areas of our school grounds. We want to create an inspiring outdoor environment where children have a wide range of opportunities to explore, experiment, build, create, collaborate and challenge themselves. There will be opportunities for parental support and feedback, as we work together to create an exciting outdoor environment for all our children.

Why is Outdoor Learning Important?

Childhood has changed, and many children no longer have the same opportunities for outdoor play and exploration that previous generations enjoyed. This has become particularly noticeable since the Covid pandemic.

Providing rich opportunities for outdoor play and learning at school is therefore more important than ever.

There are many recognised benefits of developing high-quality outdoor play opportunities. These include:

Greater enjoyment of school.
Improved relationships and social interaction between children.
More opportunities to develop independence and problem-solving skills.
Fewer disputes between children and improved behaviour.
Increased physical activity and improved coordination.
Greater creativity, imagination and resilience.
Opportunities to develop confidence through exploration and managed risk-taking.

What does an OPAL school look like?

Outdoor learning at Warden House is about making the most of our school grounds and providing children with opportunities to learn, play and explore in a variety of ways.

Children might be:

Building dens, structures and imaginative worlds.
Exploring natural materials such as mud, water, sand, stones and leaves.
Designing, making and constructing using a range of materials.
Taking part in imaginative role-play and collaborative games.
Developing physical skills through climbing, balancing, running and moving.
Investigating the natural environment and observing seasonal changes.
Working together to solve problems and overcome challenges.

Our aim is to create an outdoor environment where children can follow their interests, develop new skills and learn alongside their friends.

The benefits of play

1. Children learn through their play.

We should never underestimate the value of play. Children learn and develop in many different ways:

Cognitive skills – such as mathematics, reasoning and problem-solving when building or creating.
Physical abilities – such as balancing, climbing, running and developing coordination.
Vocabulary – through conversations, explanations and imaginative play.
Social skills – through sharing, negotiating, cooperating and working together.
Literacy skills – through creating signs, menus, instructions, maps and stories.

2. Play is healthy.

Outdoor play helps children grow strong and healthy. It encourages physical activity, develops coordination and balance, and supports healthy habits that can continue into adulthood.

3. Play reduces stress.

Play supports children's emotional well-being. It provides enjoyment, helps children manage anxiety and stress, and gives them opportunities to express themselves in a positive environment.

4. Play is more than meets the eye.

Play can be both simple and complex. There are many different types of play, including imaginative, creative, physical, exploratory and social play, as well as games with rules. Each provides different opportunities for children to learn, develop and make sense of the world around them.

5. Make time for play.

Parents and carers are important supporters of children's learning. Providing opportunities for children to play, both indoors and outdoors, helps promote their cognitive, language, physical, social and emotional development.

6. Play and learning go hand-in-hand.

Play and learning are not separate activities; they are closely connected. Through play, children can practise and apply what they have learned in meaningful, practical situations. Play provides children with opportunities to experiment, make mistakes and discover new things for themselves.

7. Play outside.

Think about your own childhood memories of building dens, playing on the beach, climbing trees, sledging in winter or playing with other children in the neighbourhood. Outdoor experiences create lasting memories and provide children with opportunities to explore, take risks and develop a connection with the natural world.

8. There is a lot to learn about play.

There is a wealth of research and information about the importance of children's play and its impact on development. Further information can be found through organisations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which provides articles and resources about the value of play.

9. Trust children's playful instincts.

Remember how naturally play came to you as a child? Children are naturally curious and imaginative. By giving them time, space and opportunities to play, we allow them to demonstrate their creativity, independence and resourcefulness.

10. Play is a child's context for learning.

Children practise and reinforce their learning across many areas of development through play. It provides opportunities for learning that cannot always be replicated through formal classroom activities or completing worksheets.

For example, when playing restaurant, children might write menus, set prices, take orders, calculate bills and work together to run their imaginary business. These experiences develop communication, mathematics, literacy, problem-solving and social skills. Play provides rich learning opportunities and helps children develop confidence, independence and self-esteem.

How can you help?

Play is not messing about or wasted time. It is the process evolution has come up with to enable children to learn all of the things that cannot be taught in a formal classroom, while also feeling like it is fun. There are certain things children must have in order to be able to play outdoors - during all of the four seasons of the year. These include:

Having clothes that you can play in
Having things to play with
Having a certain amount of freedom

As the school improves play opportunities for your children, you may find the school is asking you for resources and is making changes about how children use the school grounds. They may use more of the grounds, for more of the year. Your children may get a bit messier, be exposed to more challenges and have greater freedoms to play where, with whom and how they like. The experiences the school is fostering are essential for children’s physical and mental well-being and healthy and in line with all current good practice advice on health safety, well-being and development.

More information

If you have any questions, would like to offer support or have resources that you think might be useful, please speak to our outdoor learning lead, Mrs Camilleri. She can also be contacted at marina.camilleri-gorman@warden-house.kent.sch.uk.

Warden House Primary School