Though all we do is for the children in our care, as education professionals we must always keep OFSTED requirements in mind. Outdoor learning is a hot topic in schools but what does OFSTED say about outdoor learning?
Let’s take a closer look.
Robust Evidence of Change
SEF (School Evaluation Forms) and inspections are all about tangible evidence of change. According to former senior OFSTED inspector, Robin Hammerton, high-quality outdoor learning environments can provide ‘compelling’ evidence of change which benefits all children.
OFSTED’s 2008 report, Learning Outside The Classroom’ concluded that learning outside the classroom contributes significantly to raising standards and the quality and depth of learning.
So much so, that OFSTED are actively encouraging schools to include evidence of learning outside the classroom during inspections to show pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
Rich Educational Opportunities
The outdoor environment is rich with opportunities for children to develop skills in a broad range of curriculum areas through carefully planned enquiry-based learning.
And the emphasis is on thorough planning from the top down. From policies to individual class plans, outdoor learning activities should be as thoroughly planned as any core subject lesson.
From clear lesson objectives to robust evaluations, OFSTED want outdoor learning activities to be approached in the same way as any other serious educational activity.
And why shouldn’t they?
The outdoor environment is a space that’s filled with learning experiences which can’t be found in the classroom.
Beyond the concrete exploration of academic topics, during outdoor learning children develop things like gross motor skills, empathy, analytical skills, and curiosity.
The fact that outdoor learning experiences are more inclusive and motivating only serves to add to their importance. Indeed, across the board, part of the value OFSTED has found in learning outside the classroom is that it helps children to build skills for life.
Another benefit is that the practical, real-life contexts for cross-curricular activities which outdoor learning offers leave progression open wide meaning more children can work at a greater depth.
For outdoor learning activities, barriers are reduced, inspiration is high, and learning is ripe for deep exploration.
Benefits For Life
All of these benefits are summed up really well by the results of a study by Natural Connections.
Natural Connections carried out England’s largest outdoor learning project. They found children were better behaved and more motivated to learn when engaged in outdoor activities.
Yet the results went beyond attainment.
The pupils involved in the project said they felt ‘happier and healthier’ as the result of participating in regular outdoor learning whilst the teachers reported improved job satisfaction, health, wellbeing, and teaching practices.
In the outdoor environment both adults and children feel more relaxed.
Outdoor learning activities are fresh and exciting.
Our bodies get important exercise whilst feel-good endorphins are released and opportunities for the development of social skills and empathy are increased.
All the while, the striking wonder and variety the natural world offers captures the imagination of both children and teaching staff, helping to revitalise the mind and awaken every sense.
What Evidence Is OFSTED Looking For?
These are the changes OFSTED wants to learn about in a way that can be quantified to evidence tangible results.
You should be able to deliver concrete evidence of the changes that have arisen as a result of carefully planned outdoor learning activities designed to address the individual needs of each cohort.
Remember to ensure opportunities happen across the curriculum and key stages.
Activities should be genuine and regular sessions embedded into normal planning across the school. There should be a clear rationale for the types of activities chosen as well as session locations and the learning styles which will be used.
Objectives should be clear and carefully evaluated. All this admin will provide solid outcomes which double as concrete evidence for OFSTED, as well as learning for the lessons that follow.
Think about the outdoor environment you provide for daily recreation as well as other educational opportunities.
Attractive playgrounds with exciting, educational playground markings, for example, can help to show how you use the outdoor environment to foster rich learning experiences.
Learn more on how playground markings can help achieve an outstanding OFSTED rating.
At Fun & Active Playgrounds, we have a reputation for exciting and innovative playground markings. Our designs are educational, innovative, and open-ended creations, shaped in line with the national curriculum.
The opportunity to commission bespoke designs from us really clears the way for creating carefully planned outdoor learning spaces.
So, when collating evidence of outdoor learning for OFSTED, consider how you’ve promoted:
- a broad and balanced curriculum
- better health and wellbeing
- greater progression for all
- exploratory, practical learning
- richer opportunities for children to explore subjects in greater depth and breadth
- skills for life
When evidencing the change achieved from outdoor learning opportunities, demonstrate the following:
How has outdoor learning:
- improved levels of attainment
- positively impacted behaviour and wellbeing (including safety and attendance)
- informed teaching across the school
- been incorporated into opportunities to evolve children’s social, moral, cultural, and spiritual development
- been harnessed to advance the development of particular groups of pupils
- reflected the way the school is led by the leadership team in terms of the integrated programme in place for teaching and learning (i.e. policies, school development plan, professional development etc.)
Browse our exciting collection of playground markings and ensure your outdoor learning spaces are the rich learning environments you want them to be.