Teaching and learning is crucial to the success of a primary school and as part of this outdoor learning can help pupils to see their learning in new and exciting ways, while also increasing fitness levels and engagement. We offer a range of case studies and best practice.

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Planning and integrating outdoor lessons and learning

Outdoor learning can present many challenges for curriculum and lesson-planning, but it can be worth the effort. Headteacher Matthew Leach talks about his school’s focus on taking teaching outdoors and how it has helped improve outcomes

Covid recovery: Promoting playground play and social skills

There are anecdotal reports that some pupils are finding unstructured playground play and socialisation difficult after two years of living with Covid. Jenny Mosley looks at what primary schools might do about this

Climate change and hope: Getting children outside

Getting children outside to enjoy nature and outdoor learning could be a key element in the fight against climate change, say Jacqui McDermid and Jo Gordon from the Natural Thinkers initiative

After COP26: What and where next for climate work in primary schools?

From eco-anxiety to the curriculum, from school travel to buildings, there is much to do if we are to truly prioritise climate change education and carbon reduction in schools. Dr Verity Jones advises and signposts to a range of resources to help

Animal therapy: Down on the school farm

From lambs to donkeys to pigs, the animals at York House School are helping pupils to adopt and model positive behaviour. Head Jon Gray explains why all schools should consider ‘animal therapy’

Covid-19: Ideas for taking learning outside this autumn

During the pandemic, many schools have become more adept at making the most of their outside spaces. How can we ensure that teaching outdoors continues to feature in our planning? Suzanne O’Connell gets some tips from headteacher Emma Barker and the charity Learning through Landscapes

Earth Day 2021: Inspiring young global citizens

This year’s Earth Day on April 22 offers primary schools the chance to engage pupils in issues relating to climate change and environmental protection. Harriet Marshall and Matthew Smitheman offer some ideas

Climate action in schools: Ideas to reduce your carbon impact

Reducing your school’s carbon emissions is not as difficult as it may seem. Alex Green from the Let’s Go Zero campaign outlines some inspiring and money-saving ideas to get your school started

Introducing rough and tumble play into Reception

Tug of war, tangling, tickling, leapfrog – rough and tumble play is a normal feature of childhood and part of child development – and yet there are understandable reservations about introducing it as part of Reception provision. Teacher Rachna Joshi and EYFS lead Carla Jones advise

Bringing exercise into primary school lessons

Bringing more physical activity into lessons and teaching can help us to get children back on track this year, says year 4 teacher Niamh Hunter

PE and sports: The power of PESSPA

The PESSPA approach can have a big impact on students’ mental and physical health, attendance, attainment and behaviour – especially for those with SEND. Nasen Teacher of the Year Jon White discusses using school sport and physical activity to empower students

Back to School Guide: Teaching & Learning

In this 12-page guide, we consider what teaching and learning should look like in schools from this September when all pupils are due to return following the Covid-19 lockdown...

Teaching climate change

EduCCate Global and a group of Teaching Schools in Derbyshire are supporting teachers to train in climate change education in order to equip children to handle an uncertain future on a warming planet. Headteacher Fiona Cowan explains more about the project and her school’s climate change curriculum

Outdoor learning

Planning and integrating outdoor lessons and learning

Covid recovery: Promoting playground play and social skills

Climate change and hope: Getting children outside

After COP26: What and where next for climate work in primary schools?

Animal therapy: Down on the school farm

Covid-19: Ideas for taking learning outside this autumn

Earth Day 2021: Inspiring young global citizens

Climate action in schools: Ideas to reduce your carbon impact

Introducing rough and tumble play into Reception

Bringing exercise into primary school lessons

PE and sports: The power of PESSPA

Back to School Guide: Teaching & Learning

Teaching climate change

Embracing the benefits and fun of forest schools

An inspiring range of STEAM activity ideas

Mission Mondays, RESPECT and character education

Theatre-inspired ideas to boost creative skills

School trip tips: Effective planning and organising

Give them a challenge outside!

Some playground game ideas

Ideas to make outdoor learning work for your school

Moving primary school lessons into the museum

Supporting the teaching of EAL through play

Outdoor learning: Outside and outstanding

Tips for running effective residential trips