Outdoor Learning
At Fleet Infant School, we use our wonderful forest setting to promote our Outdoor Learning with the aim to promote holistic development, foster resilience, confidence, self-esteem, independence and creativity in our children. This complements our school values and learning behaviours.
We aim to allow pupils to instigate, investigate, test and be curious about the world around them. Outdoor Learning teaches the children to manage their play boundaries and evaluate risks through exploring the natural world.
We have the perfect environment on our site, which includes a beautiful forest setting, heathland and ponds by the school.
Outdoor Learning Schedule
Our leafy Outdoor Learning area is situated on the Heathland, which is adjacent to our reception playground. Here the children will learn woodland crafts using different tools and techniques, and take part in outdoor games and activities. They will climb trees, make dens, or simply explore the environment and invent their own games. The children will learn about the beauty of nature and how important it is to respect their environment and take care of it. At all times, children must wear a long-sleeved top and long trousers during Outdoor Learning due to the risk of ticks.
Please see below the Outdoor Learning Schedule for Autumn Term (A) starting week commencing Monday 7th September 2026.
Play is the highest form of research
Albert Einstein
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Personal, Social, Emotional, Health Education |
Science |
Physical Education |
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Literacy and language |
Art and design |
Mathematics |
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Religious Education Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural |
Benefits of nature on mental health |
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” Albert Einstein |
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The children will have access to many different activities and will be encouraged to become independent learners who are happy to explore their own ideas and interests, but also try out new ideas, of which some will work and others will not!
Some of the activities we do during Outdoor Learning are:
- Playing games and singing songs
- Woodland crafts including wool, clay, and other natural objects
- Den building
- Studying wildlife and creating habitats
- Sensory activities
- Listening to stories and using these ideas in our play
- Woodland management
During Outdoor Learning, children will learn how to be respectful to our natural environment and know that they have ownership over the place they live and play in.
Come and explore Outdoor Learning with us!
Our wonderful Outdoor Learning environment is at the heart of our school life! It gives our children the freedom to explore, build confidence, get muddy, follow their curiosity and learn through real-life outdoor adventures – all right on our doorstep!
Marvellous Mud Cakes
When author Elizabeth Reid challenged us to make mud cakes just like the ones in her story, we couldn’t wait to get started! With plenty of squelchy mud, leaves and imagination, we created some impressive concoctions – what fun we had bringing the story to life!
Awesome Autumn
Crunchy leaves, seasonal treasures and endless opportunities to learn outdoors.
Outdoor Learning in Action - Photo Gallery
Happy Outdoor Learning!