Schools Outdoor Learning Network 

 

Next meeting - Tuesday 6th October, 1:30 - 4:30pm

Patterdale CE Primary School​​

Cumbria

CA11 0NL

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Welcome to the Schools 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 in all its many guises.  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 and online meetings . Currently, we have around 40 schools benefiting from this initiative. For more information or to apply to join the network, 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

• 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

- one online meeting

- access to the collaborative padlet, which includes examples sessions,

action plans, funding opportunities and so much more!

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

- full minutes from meetings with additional linked resources

- Membership certification to show your schools commitment to Outdoor learning

- Use of the Schools Outdoor Learning Network logo

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

group.

- An additional meeting date once a year in a harder to reach location (where 

funding allows)

-Discounted linked CPD for Outdoor Learning Network members

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From June 2025, The Ernest Cook Trust have kindly supported the

network through in kind administration support.

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The 2026 and 2027 hard to reach  location meetings

are kindly funded by the Outdoor Partnership and we are

currently pleased to offer 20 funded places for schools in West 

Cumbria to join the network for 2027. Please do get in touch

to take advantage of this offer. 

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Membership fees do not meet the running costs of the network, if you are

able to support with any donations please visit our go fund me page  or share 

this poster. 

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Please do share the Outdoor Learning Network flyer 

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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:

Balderstone St Leonard's Primary School Blackburn

Bassenthwaite Primary and Nursery School, Keswick

Cambridge Street Primary, Barrow in Furness

Cottam Primary School, Cottam, Preston.

Crosthwaite CE Primary School, Crosthwaite

Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School, Workington

Flimby Primary School, Maryport

George Hastwell School, Walney

Grayrigg School, Kendal

Great Wood Primary School, Morecambe

Grosvenor Park Primary School, Morecambe

High Hesket C of E School, Carlisle

Kendal Nursery School, Cumbria

Morecambe Bay Community Primary School

Mellor St Mary’s, Blackburn

Nether Kellet Community Primary School

Patterdale Primary School

Pennington CE Primary School, Ulverston

Ryelands Primary & Nursery School, Lancaster.

Sandgate School, Kendal,

Sedbergh Primary School

South Cumbria PRU, Barrow in Furness

South Walney Infant and Nursery School

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Morecambe

St Mary's CE Primary School, Kirkby Lonsdale

St Mary's Harrington, Workington

St Oswald's CE School, Burneside,

St Paul's C.E. Junior School, Barrow-in-Furness,

Yealand Primary School, Carnforth

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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."

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"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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​​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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Please note Membership fees for 2027 will increase to £50 per setting with the option for schools who are not able to join the in person sessions to access the online meeting and all other benefits for £30. ​​​​​​​​​​​

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