Validator report
27 February 2025
OLA-Four Dwellings Primary Academy-B32 1PJ-27/Feb/2025
Areas for further development
Four Dwellings School has embedded outdoor learning across the curriculum, enhancing engagement, wellbeing, and enthusiasm for learning. Staff training has boosted confidence and creativity in delivering outdoor experiences, while extracurricular clubs and trips provide enriching opportunities. Parental involvement through workshops and forest school sessions has strengthened school-home relationships. Future developments, including the Garden Gurus programme, parent allotment, and Tiny Forest project, will further expand outdoor learning, sustainability, and community collaboration.
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
Four Dwellings School is developing its outdoor learning further with Garden Gurus training, integrating new ideas into a structured programme. Plans include establishing a parent working allotment to strengthen school-home engagement and provide hands-on learning experiences. The Tiny Forest project will enhance environmental awareness, with data gathering incorporated to track its impact. These initiatives will deepen outdoor learning opportunities, fostering sustainability, collaboration, and practical skill development for pupils and families.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Comments on impact identified during validation
Four Dwellings School has a deeply embedded culture of outdoor learning, integrated across the curriculum. Key decisions for each year group ensure meaningful outdoor experiences, enhancing engagement, enjoyment, and excitement in learning. Staff have embraced outdoor learning, transforming pupils’ attitudes towards education. Pupil feedback highlights overwhelmingly positive experiences, reinforcing its impact. Outdoor learning has become a valued approach, fostering enthusiasm, curiosity, and a love for learning.
Comments on impact identified during validation
At Four Dwellings School, outdoor learning is a core part of the curriculum and an established expectation. Feedback highlights the significant impact of outdoor science experiments, increasing engagement and enthusiasm. Year 5 pupils have undertaken outdoor projects, leading to deeper learning experiences and greater success. Outdoor learning continues to provide meaningful opportunities, enhancing curiosity, understanding, and enjoyment across different subjects.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Four Dwellings School offers a range of extracurricular outdoor learning experiences, including multiple trips, an art club inspired by nature, and a whole-school outdoor learning club focused on the environment. Pupils learn from each other, developing teamwork and environmental awareness. Feedback shows children feel happier, calmer, and more engaged after attending. The school provides all necessary equipment, ensuring every child is comfortable and able to fully enjoy these enriching opportunities.
Comments on impact identified during validation
From discussions with the outdoor learning lead, pupils show greater confidence, independence, and engagement. Utilising spaces in the school has meant they can be used with purpose and intent for curriculum and extra-curricular activities and projects. Access to equipment supports full participation, enabling richer learning experiences and fostering a positive, hands-on teaching approach.
Comments on impact identified during validation
After discussing with the coordinator, ensuring outdoor experiences are handled safely through clear risk assessments has a significant impact. Pupils and staff feel more confident, leading to increased participation and richer learning experiences. Staff are more willing to integrate outdoor activities, knowing safety measures are in place. A consistent approach ensures sustainability, while a shared understanding of risk supports long-term initiatives. This fosters a secure environment where pupils can fully engage, enhancing both learning and wellbeing.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Four Dwellings School has prioritised staff training and CPD in outdoor learning, significantly boosting confidence, knowledge, and understanding. Staff now feel more equipped to integrate outdoor experiences across the curriculum, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. Training has encouraged creative approaches, leading to greater enthusiasm for outdoor activities. As a result, outdoor learning is embedded in teaching practice, enriching lessons and fostering a positive, hands-on learning environment for pupils.
Comments on impact identified during validation
The impact evidence shows that pupils were highly engaged in designing a logo and motto that reflects their attitudes towards outdoor learning. The winning designs were also celebrated and shared with the wider community via social media, fostering a sense of pride and ownership. The final combined design is now integrated into school communications, reinforcing a collective identity and commitment to outdoor learning across the school.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Four Dwellings School actively engages parents in outdoor learning through workshops highlighting its impact on wellbeing and mental health. Forest school sessions have helped parents understand its role in children’s holistic development. The social aspect of these experiences has strengthened school-home relationships, fostering greater collaboration. Positive feedback has led to increased demand, with parents requesting more sessions to further support their children’s learning and wellbeing outdoors.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
27/Feb/2025
Product attribute ref
Gold