(In the UK,) the leading governing bodies and associations involved in helping schools take teaching and learning beyond the classroom have united to set out an ambitious but simple plan to help schools adapt their lessons, curriculum and learning environments.  When schools are ready, we are here to support them to re-open to more pupils, by helping them enable high quality learning experiences in school grounds, local spaces and home environments, and to support pupils transition between these different learning environments.

The British Prime Minister has indicated a gradual re-opening of more schools from 1 June, and the Department for Education Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance on implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings recommends considering which lessons or classroom activities could take place outdoors. The consortium believes that helping schools to deliver programmes of regular, progressive lessons outside the classroom will make a significant contribution to:

• enabling schools to deliver their curriculum safely and effectively
• delivering benefits to pupil health and wellbeing, both at home and at school
• build better home school learning partnerships (enabling teachers to develop consistent learning experiences for all their pupils whether at school or home)
• mitigate against widening inequalities resulting from school closures

Martin Smith, chair of the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel, said: ‘’The benefits of learning outdoors have never been so important or so urgently needed. The need to support schools and families take play and learning safely and effectively beyond the classroom has never been greater.’’

Source
Outdoor Industries Association