Outdoor Play and Learning
Our Vision
At Pennington C of E Primary School, we believe that children are naturally curious and thrive when learning in the great outdoors. In a world where many lifestyles are becoming less active, we see outdoor learning as an exciting and essential part of growing up.
Exploring and playing outside helps children develop important skills, boosts their mental health and wellbeing, and strengthens their connection to nature. Outdoor learning also makes lessons more inclusive, fun, and engaging for every child.
We are proud to embrace the many benefits of outdoor learning to support our pupils in reaching their full potential.
Why is outdoor learning important?
- Children’s mental health and wellbeing improves
Research shows that spending time in nature can make a big difference to mental health and wellbeing. As author Richard Louv famously said, “Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health.” At Pennington, we know that happier, healthier children are more eager to learn, which is a win for everyone.
- Children’s relationship with nature improves
Combining important lessons with memorable outdoor experiences helps children build a lasting connection with the natural world. As Sir David Attenborough said, “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” Outdoor days at Pennington often tie into cultural celebrations such as Diwali and Cinco de Mayo, giving children opportunities to explore different traditions while appreciating the beauty of the natural world.
- Education is more inclusive
Every child is unique, and we recognise that not everyone learns in the same way. Outdoor learning creates opportunities for all children to take part in shared activities, regardless of their abilities.
At Pennington, we use outdoor learning to cover a wide range of national curriculum objectives across subjects like science, art, geography, and history. For example, children might explore habitats while learning about ecosystems, or study historical celebrations such as Diwali and Cinco de Mayo through outdoor crafts and storytelling.
We also incorporate elements of Forest School practices, allowing children to experience sensory-rich learning, take part in activities like shelter building and tool use, and develop resilience and teamwork skills. By blending these approaches, outdoor learning becomes an inclusive and dynamic way for every child to thrive while enjoying hands-on, meaningful education.
- Curriculum learning is enhanced
Learning outdoors transforms lessons into exciting, hands-on adventures. Practical, real-life experiences help children understand and remember key concepts. As the saying goes, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” For example, outdoor activities might include exploring the light and shadows, cooking traditional foods for Thanksgiving, or creating art inspired by cultural traditions, such as rangoli patterns, all while enhancing problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity.
- Child development is enhanced
Outdoor learning helps children develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills. It builds social skills, communication, and a positive attitude to learning. “Play is the highest form of research,” Albert Einstein once said, and outdoor learning provides the perfect balance of fun and discovery. Through outdoor days, children can learn about different cultural celebrations throughout the year, helping them grow not just in confidence, but also in understanding and respect for the diverse world around them.
Outdoor Learning
At Pennington we offer designated Outdoor Learning Days for each class. Children have the opportunity to work outside for the day on a range of Forest School activities and other cross curricular tasks.
Children look forward to working outdoors, developing skills and using tools which they may never have used before. Team work is an integral part of each Outdoor Learning/Forest Schools session, as is the opportunity to play and develop children’s social skills with peers.
Leadership and listening skills are encouraged through carefully planned sessions so children feel safe in a new environment.
Pennington CE Primary has been awarded the Silver Award in the Woodland Trust’s Green Tree Schools scheme. This award recognises the rich outdoor learning opportunities our children enjoy—from exploring nature and developing practical skills to taking part in environmental projects that help our school community care for the world around us. We’re so proud of the hard work and enthusiasm shown by our pupils and staff.
Our long term plan for Outdoor Learning- Progression in Skills can be found through the link below
OPAL Playtimes
At Pennington we have adopted the Outdoor Play and Learning ‘OPAL’ Primary Programme. Through a structured process, with mentored support, we have been able to change our school environment and culture to enable provision of amazing playtimes every day.
Benefits of OPAL at Pennington
Happiness and wellbeing – Play is a human need and a human right. Children and staff feel less stressed, happier and more excited about school.
Faster core skills development – Children rapidly develop creativity, imagination, cooperation, resilience, stamina, confidence and physical skills.
More teaching time – Teachers report more teaching time with happier, more creative, and well exercised children who settle into class much more quickly.
Improved behaviour – OPAL playtimes offer social, collaborative play and promote problem solving and team building skills, reducing the use of behaviour policies and time spent resolving playtime issues.
Inclusion – OPALs approach makes better play for every child, every day…no exceptions