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 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 Spring Term B.

Spring Term (B) Outdoor Learning Schedule 2026

PDF File

Play is the highest form of research

Albert Einstein

Personal, Social, Emotional, Health Education	Science	Physical Education
Resilience Risk taking Cooperation Collaboration and teamwork Independence Self esteem Confidence	Senses Weather Seasons Growth and decay Plants Animals Habitats Materials	Balance Strength Fine motor skills – tying knots etc Gross motor skills – lifting, climbing Stamina Coordination Using tools safely
Literacy and language	Art and design	Mathematics
New vocabulary Speaking and listening Stories Refence book/information books Spotter sheets Role-play	Creativity Imagination Joining materials Musical instruments – natural percussion	Measurements Estimation Comparison – sizes Problem solving Sorting and ordering
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
Awe and wonder New life God’s wonderful world God’s creatures Caring for the environment	Reduces anxiety More focussed Improves creativity Improves mood Allows us to slow down and limit distractions Relaxes whole body, taking away any tensions

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.

Outdoor Learning in Action

Happy Outdoor Learning!