OLA-Lady Barn House School-SK8 1JE-04/Jun/2025

Children have shown increased confidence about working and learning outside. They are taking responsibility for their own learning and developing team working skills and independence. Impact has also been seen in terms of other areas of the curriculum including literacy, art and science. Children’s voices have influenced the development of provision and the involvement of families in Saturday morning activities has also helped to develop understanding of the value of outdoor learning.

All students have timetabled outdoor learning opportunities and staff can also book additional time outside. Year 6 enjoy additional access post-SATS. Outdoor activities are also ‘built-in’ to areas of the wider curriculum such as science and a number of extracurricular clubs access the school’s woodland area.

The are a variety of gardening, woodland and other clubs and the school also offers residential and overnight stay opportunities including an annual family visit to the Lake District. Gardening club members grow herbs and vegetables which are utilised by the school’s catering team. One young man spoke eloquently about how his involvement in gardening club and the skills her has learnt there have led to him sending time working with his family on their allotment.

The woodland and other outdoor areas have been carefully designed and assessments have considered the impact on the environment as well as any risk factors for users. There is space for children to keep clothing and equipment - along with a wash station for cleaning hands and wellies - all of which encourage them to look after both themselves and their kit. The attractive outdoor classroom also acts as a transitional space for less confident learners and as a shelter from inclement weather.

Risk assessments are thorough and staff trained in first aid. Staff are confident to encourage and support children to make decisions, take responsibility for themselves and explore different levels of risk.

Evidence includes positive feedback from staff about the CPD they have undertaken around outdoor learning. The school’s highly trained specialist staff have enabled other adults to effectively incorporate outdoor learning into their teaching. Lady Barn House is also sharing its knowledge and experience around outdoor learning with other schools.

Pupil surveys demonstrate a high level of engagement with outdoor learning. Crucially, they also show that children can identify the positive impact of the work on their confidence, knowledge and skills. The school offers a broad range of activities to suit all tastes and abilities - and pupil voice has influenced their development. Woodland and gardening clubs are oversubscribed.

Parents attend regular Saturday morning workshops and other sessions including the annual Lake District residential weekend. The school’s evidence included many positive comments from parents about this and other opportunities.