Outdoor learning and play must be at the heart of conversations and planning around the reopening of our schools.
Already embedded through Learning for Sustainability in the Scottish Curriculum, GTCS Standards, Inspection criteria and Rights of the Child, outdoor learning is well evidenced as contributing to raising attainment and achieving many education priorities. Please see: www.nnolscotland.blogspot.com
This National Network for Outdoor Learning, composed of organisations and individuals across Scotland, can readily provide practical advice, resourcing and training for teachers, early learning and childcare professionals who are organising learning with COVID-19 restrictions in place. Please see the attached map of our membership.
Across the many organisations we collaborate with, there is a skilled workforce and deep knowledge of how to best implement the outdoor learning and play tools at this time. Our current focus is on supporting schools as they re-open, to the benefit of our children and young people.
In the current context, the immediate benefits of outdoor learning include:
- a positive impact on learner, teacher or educator’s health and wellbeing following a time of stress and ill health for many.
- engaging learners in an effective and different way which helps the transition process.
- increased space for social distancing and extra capacity in schools.
- a connection with home learning and parental engagement, which is accessible and supports a blended approach to learning between home and school.
- a progression of interconnected learning experiences, starting in the home and school, extending to communities and local greenspaces and beyond to Scotland’s wild places as, and when, COVID-19 restrictions change.
As a National Network we call for the following before schools return:
- a clear directive from Scottish Government to include outdoor learning and outdoor spaces as part of the suite of strategies being taken.
- a shared set of common goals, resources and solutions, between Government, Local Authorities, education settings and the Network, to the benefit of all.
- a focus on training, advice and resources for teachers and early learning educators as they adapt to new and changing working systems.
- support for the work in communicating with children, parents and professionals the benefits and opportunities of learning outdoors, not just for a phased return to school but also how it can be embedded in the refreshed CfE.
Our Network represents a breadth and depth of Outdoor Learning and Play expertise which exists throughout Scotland. As Scottish Government seeks to re-engage educational settings with learners and their families, our Network can offer the following solutions:
- use our members to offer a pathway for individual schools and nurseries to maximise the outdoor spaces, outdoor learning and play, providing links to the most appropriate organisations to assist.
- use members’ skills and knowledge to advise, train and resource educators and teachers to maximise the benefits of outdoor learning through 2020 (and beyond).
- communicate with education professionals, families and press about the benefits and practical implications of organising outdoor learning within Scottish Government COVID-19 guidelines.
- ensure the Scottish Government has clear and cohesive advice to maximise the benefits outlined above.
About Us
The National Network for Outdoor Learning (NNOL), initiated by Education Scotland and now run by members, ensures there is a clear voice and strategic approach to supporting, promoting and delivering quality Outdoor Learning experiences to all in Scotland. Our inclusive membership represents a collaboration between early years and childcare, teachers, local authorities, individual providers, third sector, youth work, play work, land based industries, adventurous and residential provision in Scotland.
NNOL works in collaboration with a number of other networks and partners, please see the attached mind map. We exist alongside local authority colleagues in SAPOE and work across education, health, youthwork and recreation.
“Outdoor learning helps develop the skills of enquiry, critical thinking and reflection necessary for our children and young people to meet the social, economic and environmental challenges of life in the 21st century. Outdoor learning connects children and young people with the natural world, with our built heritage and our culture and society, and encourages lifelong involvement and activity in Scotland’s outdoors.”
Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning, 2010
Frequent and progressive learning using the outdoors is therefore an entitlement for all Scottish learners. Outdoor Learning is embedded in the Curriculum for Excellence, GTCS Standards and the inspection process. All children have the right to experience nature and play daily.
Join us
We would ask you to join our network and sign up to our newsletter and/or social media so that we can communicate with you over the coming months.