Return to learning

The return to school has required many schools to evaluate their outdoor learning provison allowing for social distancing in schools and classrooms.

Research shows that outdoor learning has a huge benefit on physical, emotional and mental well-being which is so important to the learners as they adapt to the new norms of school life.

Outdoor learning does not mean that staff need additional training or access to an offsite woodland or park, but means that they need to plan for learners to have the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom environment, whether that be numeracy, Welsh, physical activities or any other subject.

Welsh Government guidance on learning in schools and settings from the autumn term (July 2020) clearly stated the importance of outdoor learning and play as part of the provision for the autumn term and highlights not only the benefits to the health and wellbeing of the learners, but also its role in combating the transmission of COVID-19. It stated that:

Play for all learners

Practitioners should recognise the important role of play for learners of all ages. This is critical to their development, their well-being and their socialisation. All learners should be given opportunities to play and socialise both through structured activities and unstructured play. Risks should be minimised by keeping learners in contact groups and continuing to facilitate play activities outdoors as far as possible. Break times may need to be staggered to support this.

Outdoor learning

Schools should maximise the time learners spend outdoors. This has important physical, mental and educational benefits and also helps combat transmission of COVID-19.