​​​​​​​​​Autumn term Outdoor Learning Network Meeting

 

Next meeting - Tuesday 13th January, 4 - 5pm

ONLINE

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Welcome to the Outdoor Learning Network page, a network to support Primary, SEND and Alternative Provision settings from across Cumbria, Lancashire, and North Yorkshire in sharing best practice related to Outdoor Learning.  Gina established the network back in January 2022, running the network for free for over 3 years. there is now a nominal annual fee of just £30 . New schools are invited to apply to join our community and participate in termly meetings hosted by different member schools, . Currently, we have almost 30 schools benefiting from this initiative. For more information or to apply, please email gina@littlechatters.co.uk.

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Network aims were developed by the group and include:

 

• To make Outdoor Learning a priority in schools

• To provide resources and materials to support outdoor learning

• To share examples of best practise (many of these examples come from within the group of schools in attendance)

• Up to date information on funding to support Outdoor Learning

• Opportunity to network

 

Membership to the network includes:

 

- the opportunity to attend 3 on site meetings each year

- email updates on forthcoming opportunities, e.g. funding and events

- full minutes from meetings with additional linked resources

- a badge depicting involvement and commitment to Outdoor Learning via the

Outdoor Learning Network (Coming soon!!!)

- input into the development of the Outdoor Learning Network as a supportive

group.

 

Possible additional ingredients to be developed:

 

• An additional date a year in a harder to reach location

• An online meeting once a year

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Meetings to date have included a focus on:

Progression in outdoor learning

Linking learning to the curriculum

Effective playtimes

Morecambe Bay Curriculum

Successful School trips

Inclusivity in the Outdoors

Successful School Grounds

Climate action and Sustainability

Vision for Outdoor Learning​

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Members of the network include:

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Ryelands Primary School, Lancaster

Balderstone CE School, Blackburn

Grayrigg CE Primary School, Kendal

St Mary's RC Primary School Morecambe

South Walney Infant School, Walney

St. Oswalds CE Primary School, Kendal

Sandgate School, Kendal (SEND)

Newbridge House, barrow (PRU)

Sedbergh Primary School

Medlar with Wesham School

St Paul's CE Primary School, Barrow

High Hesket Primary School, Penrith

Greatwood Primary School, Lancaster

Grosvenor Park Primary School, Morecambe

St Mary's Primary, Kirby Lonsdale

Bentham Primary School

George Hastwell School, Walney

All Saints CE Primary School, Cockermouth

Crosthwaite Primary School, Kendal

Cambridge Street Primary, Barrow

Yealand Primary School, Harrington

St Mary's Hartington, Cumbria

Patterdale CE Primary School, Cumbria

Bassenthwaite Primary and Nursery School, Cumbria

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Feedback from existing network members:

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"We highly value learning outside the classroom so being able to network helps to strengthen practice and share ideas and curriculum content.  Our children benefit from being active and parents enjoy volunteering when we need more hands on deck.  The whole school is excited to be participating in Outdoor Learning day as another opportunity to showcase some of how we learn using our environment in school."

Becs Ensoll, Headteacher at South Walney Infants School

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"Teachers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance and benefits of learning outdoors. The Outdoor Learning Network offers support and ideas to overcome any perceived barriers, so that lessons can routinely be taken out of the classroom. The network provides the opportunity to share good practice and celebrate the successes, including  improved outcomes for children, engagement and enjoyment. "

Linda Pye, Headteacher at Ryelands Primary and Nursery School, Lancaster

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“The importance of networking with other school settings is key as it allows us to learn from each other and share examples of different practice. Outdoor learning is a crucial part of our curriculum so being part of a wider group of schools has really allowed us to grow our approach and identify next steps that benefit our pupils and our curriculum.” 

Amy Harvey, High Hesket Primary School, Carlisle

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"Great links to other organisations, opportunities and ideas to bring back to school.

 Love visiting other schools to see what they have been doing too."

 

"Informative sessions, covering lots of topics."

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"Chance to talk to other schools and providers for ideas and grants. Visiting other premises

for ideas. It's great to see things in practice."

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I like..."The openness to discuss practices and problems with other schools and the chance to visit other sites."

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"I really like the chance to meet other professionals and share best practice that is happening in their schools.
Guest speakers really informative to."

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​​The network is co-ordinated by Gina of Little Chatters, with valued inputs from linked organisations and practitioners.

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From June 2025, The Ernest Cook Trust have kindly supported the network through providing administration support. 

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The Outdoor Learning Network is also kindly supported by Dr Dave Harvey of Dave Harvey Outdoor Learning. Dave provides practical support to schools at the meetings, drawing on his expertise linked to work with the Institute for Outdoor Learning, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and the

Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres

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Please contact Gina if you would like more information. or are interested to join the network.  A recent blog linked to the group can be accessed here. 

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​​​​​​​​​​​SCHOOLS OUTDOOR LEARNING CONFERENCE

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Wednesday 18th March 2026

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After the success of the October 2024 Schools Outdoor Learning Conference we have already begun planning for 2026. 

University of Cumbria, Bowerham Road, Lancaster. LA1 3JD

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​​This conference is a collaboration with the University of Cumbria and Dave Harvey - Outdoor Learning on an exciting day of workshops, keynotes and networking opportunities for Early Years, Primary, SEND and AP settings. 

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Early booking is now open for the conference with 20 discounted places available! Full price £135, discounted £100!

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A full flyer can be viewed here. Booking here

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