OLA-The Chiltern School-LU5 5PX-04/Nov/2025

The shool has identified what motivates learners and also have invested in a lot of time, money and equipment to promote positive attidues and instill a passion for outdoor learning. Outdoor learning is not tokenistic but embedded in school culture. Learners show happiness and confidence. They now independently request outdoor activities, demonstrating enthusiasm and ownership over activities outside.

Child-led outdoor learning is an integral part of the curriculum, ensuring small-step progress for all. Teachers have noticed greater engagement, focus and collaboration. Activities nurture emotional regulation, communication and life skills, enriching academic and personal growth.

A wide range of extracurricular activities builds resilience, communication and teamwork. Learners access enriching, purposeful experiences that meet diverse developmental needs. Outdoor clubs and sensory trails promote inclusion, enjoyment and holistic personal development. A huge, varied outdoor provision is available, including animal care, horticulture, sports, sensory sessions and personalised activities depending on learner needs.

Outdoor areas are adapted creatively to meet complex needs. Providing freedom and fewer constraints ensures sensory, physical and emotional needs are met. Spaces encourage connection, exploration and learning experiences that the classroom alone cannot provide.

Safety and inclusion are prioritised through regular checks, clear boundaries and adaptive resources. Staff are skilled in ensuring all learners access meaningful outdoor opportunities safely, supporting independence, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Passionate practitioners share expertise and ideas gained through training. Staff have grown in confidence and creativity, embedding outdoor learning across phases. Collaboration ensures consistent, inclusive, high-quality provision that supports holistic development. Staff skills and knowledge on outdoor learning has increased, with members of staff being specifically trained in certain areas such as Forest School.

Learners are deeply engaged, leading and shaping their experiences. Increased interaction, sharing and turn-taking have strengthened social and emotional skills. Outdoor learning has promoted curiosity, independence and nurture, with clear progress in communication and interaction for many children.

Stay and play days and STEM outdoor forest school activities have had a huge impact on parent engagement and understanding of the positive effects of outdoor learning. Events have a high uptake, with parents blown away by what their children achieve. Feedback highlights engagement and pride, with families replicating activities at home. Creative, motivating events have strengthened partnerships and demonstrated the value of outdoor learning.