Outdoor Learning Subject Page
Welcome to the Outdoor Learning subject page for Bedgrove Infant School!
Daily access to the outdoors when in an Early Years setting is a statutory requirement for all children. But it is not just essential for children in the Early Years, it is essential for all children and adults
We have been really excited to introduce Outdoor Learning sessions this year at Bedgrove Infant School. These sessions give the children in KS1 the opportunity to spend time in the natural world, learning through practical experiences, testing out their ideas and experiences.
Learning outside offers opportunities to build on and extend, skills taught and acquired inside. It also offers the chance to take on new challenges and risks and to investigate in a different way. Experiencing the weather, taking risks, searching for insects, climbing a tree or working on a large scale is all part of learning.
What will happen during an Outdoor Learning session?
The sessions are within the school grounds in an area that we are constantly developing with the children. They can get creative with wooden planks and crates, explore with trowels and magnifying glasses or even visit our pond with adult supervision.
The Outdoor Learning sessions follow a routine that the children will soon become familiar with, including a group discussion, activity and explore and a final get together for reflection time.
What to wear:
Children will need to bring a named carrier bag with extra layers (which will go over their PE kit) for their Outdoor Learning sessions. A part of the ethos for Outdoor Learning is “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”. The idea is that if sufficient, comfortable and appropriate clothing is provided, all children can enjoy their learning experience in all weathers. The only exception to this is high winds and lightning, as it’s not wise to be under the trees if there is a risk of falling trees or branches, however the playground and outdoor classroom will be used if necessary.
Kit for Autumn and Winter terms:
During this time of year, the children need to be prepared for chilly and often wet sessions.
BASE LAYER: PE T-shirt and shorts/tracksuit (which they will already be wearing for PE).
MID LAYER: Long sleeved T-shirt top, fleece top/jumper, leggings/trousers (preferably a thicker type of material for really cold weeks).
TOP LAYER: For really cold weeks; thicker fleece /jacket.
WATERPROOF LAYER: Waterproof jacket & waterproof trousers or waterproof dungaree trousers.
FOOTWEAR: Wellington boots, extra socks – we would advise two pairs of socks in the colder weeks, feet get cold in wellies. Also ensure you have a suitable size that will fit two pairs of socks – if the boot is too tight it will also make the feet colder.
HEAD AND HANDS: Wool hat, snood, gloves (extra pair of gloves in bag).
We appreciate this is a lot of information at the beginning of the summer holidays, but we wanted to give you plenty of notice so that the children have the right kit from the start of September and maximise their outdoor learning and PE opportunities!
We would be grateful for any wellies/waterproofs that have been grown out of for our spares box.
