OLA-Catchgate Primary School-DH9 8LX-07/Nov/2023

The school has implemented numerous interventions to support outdoor learning, and these opportunities in which the whole-school community can participate have proved really successful. Reports from pupils reflect that they find value in these opportunities, and the data suggests that everyone's positive attitudes towards outdoor learning have been improved. The school has worked hard to not only promote positive attitudes to outdoor learning but to capture these changes in their evidence, particularly in relation to attitudes towards outdoor learning and
improvements in wellbeing.

There is a plethora of opportunities in the curriculum provision, and pupils voice states that pupils enjoy these opportunities and would like more. There is good pupil-led evidence that demonstrates clearly how well the school has listened to children's views and acted upon them meaningfully.

It is encouraging to see so much positive feedback about the extracurricular opportunities on offer in the school, and how they clearly show that a need is being fulfilled.

This is a real strength of the school's submission, led by a very enthusiastic, well-trained and capable lead (supported by the head teacher's expertise and experience) who understands the difference that outdoor learning can make to children and how included they feel. The evidence shows the very high standards in place across the school site and with the resources used. The school is always thinking of ways to enhance provision using what they have on site already.

This is a strong element of the award and one at which the school excels. The working documents show the extent to which the school take this seriously and how this importance is passed onto pupils as well as members of the wider school community. First aid and site safety training are particular strengths of the school's evidence submission.

The evidence shows clearly the changes in staff and their resulting attitudes towards outdoor learning because of the training they received. The school's leadership team is fully supportive of training staff to improve their confidence and competence. This benchmark was a strength of the school's submission for the award. The school makes the most of seasonality and encourages teachers to use outdoor learning to 'relax' into a lessed planned curriculum offering, so children can engage in the moment and the weather.

There has been an encouraging shift in the way that pupils are involved and therefore engaged with outdoor learning, particularly in relation to how if affects their health, wellbeing and mental health. Their enthusiasm for outdoor learning is palpable and the benefits they experience are clear.

Feedback from parents/carers show that they are really appreciate the benefits of outdoor learning on their children, and that they are keen to be more involved where possible. In future, the school plans to continue the focus on communicating clearly with parents/carers about their provision and asking for their feedback. The school has plans to engage parents/carers in information sessions (paired with other school events) to help them understand about the benefits of being outdoors and to dispel some commonly-held myths.