As part of a series on 12 keys to unlocking learning outdoors, Professor Jan White considers what makes a good-quality outdoor learning environment
Children have opportunities for acting on their environment in a big way
Children have opportunities for acting on their environment in a big way

How long has it been since you have considered the strengths and weaknesses of your outdoor learning environment? This Key points attention towards the physical ‘landscape’ itself and how children are encouraged to make use of it.

KEY 7: QUALITY OF THE OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT

The outdoor space should be:

WHY IS THIS ISSUE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE OUTDOORS?

If the full potential of learning outdoors is to be harnessed, the setting’s outdoor environment must be a pleasant place to be in for both the children and the adults supporting them. If the practitioners in your team are not physically and emotionally comfortable in your outdoor space and do not really want to spend time there, then this will inevitably limit children’s daily access and how well their learning can be supported.

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