Scottish policies for outdoor learning and play in education.

Scottish policies for outdoor learning and play in education.

As part of Learning for Sustainability, outdoor learning is an expectation for all children in Scotland’s education system.

Since 2006 we have moved towards a curriculum and professional standards for teachers that requires outdoor learning to be a ‘regular and progressive experience for all learners’. All school leaders are expected to support this vision ongoing.

We have an expectation for all early years and childcare settings to facilitate ‘free play’, ‘risk and challenge’ and ‘contact with nature’ on a daily basis.

Below are the key documents that help outline the position for outdoor learning in Scotland.

Founding Documents

Learning for Sustainability - the report of the One Planet Schools working group
Learning for Sustainability - the report of the One Planet Schools working group
Taking Learning Outdoors Partnerships for Excellence
Taking Learning Outdoors Partnerships for Excellence
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child UN CRC Scotland
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child UN CRC Scotland
Sustainable Development Goals. Linear style icons
Sustainable Development Goals

Scottish Vision, Values and Policy

Learning for Sustainability - Vision 2030
Learning for Sustainability - Vision 2030
Learning for Sustainability - Action Plan 2023-2030
Scottish National Position Statement on Outdoor Learning and Play
Scottish National Position Statement on Outdoor Learning and Play
Putting Learners at the Centre: Towards a Future Vision for Scottish Education
Putting Learners at the Centre: Towards a Future Vision for Scottish Education
Play Strategy for Scotland: Our Vision
Play Strategy for Scotland: Our Vision
Play Strategy for Scotland: Our Action Plan
Play Strategy for Scotland: Our Action Plan
Conversations about Learning for Sustainability
Conversations about Learning for Sustainability
The Educational Outcomes of Learning for Sustainability A Brief Review of Literature
The Educational Outcomes of Learning for Sustainability A Brief Review of Literature

Standards and Inspection

How Good is Our School 4th edition
How Good is Our School 4th edition
How good is our school - references to learning for sustainability and outdoor learning
How good is our school - references to learning for sustainability and outdoor learning
How good is our Early Learning and Childcare
How good is our Early Learning and Childcare
How Good is our Early Learning and Childcare References to Outdoor Learning
How Good is our Early Learning and Childcare References to Outdoor Learning
GTCS Standards for Teacher Registration
GTCS Standards for Teacher Registration
GTCS Learning for Sustainability Standards for Leadership
GTCS Learning for Sustainability Standards for Leadership
Learning for Sustainability Hub - GTCS
Learning for Sustainability Hub - GTCS
Successful Approaches to Outdoor Learning - HMIE Thematic Report
Successful Approaches to Outdoor Learning - HMIE Thematic Report

Play in Schools

The Power of Play for Children and Young Peoples Positive Mental Health
The Power of Play for Children and Young Peoples Positive Mental Health
Playtime Revolution for School Break Times
Playtime Revolution for School Break Times
Woodland Play in School Grounds
Woodland Play in School Grounds
Play Out of Hours - School Grounds Toolkit
Play Out of Hours - School Grounds Toolkit
Play Types Toolkit - Bringing more play into the school day
Play Types Toolkit - Bringing more play into the school day
Loose Parts Play Toolkit for Schools
Loose Parts Play Toolkit for Schools
Inspiring Inclusive Play Design
Inspiring Inclusive Play Design
Free to Play - a guide to creating accessible and inclusive public play spaces
Free to Play - a guide to creating accessible and inclusive public play spaces

Primary and Secondary Schools

Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning
Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning - practical guidance ideas and support for teachers and practitioners in Scotland
Outdoor Learning - practical guidance ideas and support for teachers and practitioners in Scotland
Building your curriculum outside and in Education Scotland
Building your curriculum outside and in Education Scotland

Early Years and Childcare

Primary and Early Years - Realising the Ambition
Primary and Early Years - Realising the Ambition
Out to Play practical guidance on creating outdoor play experiences for children
Out to Play practical guidance on creating outdoor play experiences for children
My World Outdoors
My World Outdoors
Systematic literature review of nature-based Early Learning and Childcare on children's health, wellbeing and development
Systematic literature review of nature-based Early Learning and Childcare on children's health, wellbeing and development
Growing My Potential Care Inspectorate
Growing My Potential Care Inspectorate

Higher and Further Education

QAA Education for Sustainable Development
QAA Education for Sustainable Development

Buildings and Spaces

Scotlands Learning Estate Strategy
Scotlands Learning Estate Strategy
Building better schools Investing in Scotland’s future
Building better schools Investing in Scotland’s future
Scotland’s Schools for the Future
Scotland’s Schools for the Future
The Good School Playground Guide
The Good School Playground Guide
Space to grow Design guidance for early learning and childcare and out of school settings
Space to grow Design guidance for early learning and childcare and out of school settings
Greenspace Design for Health and Wellbeing
Greenspace Design for Health and Wellbeing
The Place Standard Toolkit
The Place Standard Toolkit
Environment Strategy – Scotland’s Vision and Outcomes
Environment Strategy – Scotland’s Vision and Outcomes

Beyond our boundary

Beyond your Boundary - Learning in local greenspace
Beyond your Boundary - Learning in local greenspace
Finding your local greenspace for learning
Finding your local greenspace for learning
A Guide to High Quality Outdoor Learning and Residential Experiences
A Guide to High Quality Outdoor Learning and Residential Experiences
Outdoor Education Centres Fit for the Future
Outdoor Education Centres Fit for the Future
The sustainable management of local spaces used regularly for learning and play
The sustainable management of local spaces used regularly for learning and play

Risk Management in Outdoor Learning and Play

Going Out There - Scottish Framework for Safe Practice in Off-site Visits
Going Out There - Scottish Framework for Safe Practice in Off-site Visits
Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education SAPOE
Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education SAPOE

Strategic Organisations and Resources for Outdoor Learning and Play in Scotland

Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education SAPOE
Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education SAPOE
National Network for Outdoor Learning Scotland
National Network for Outdoor Learning Scotland NNOL
Outdoor and Woodland Learning Scotland
Outdoor and Woodland Learning Scotland
play-scotland-logo
play-scotland-logo
Outdoor Learning Directory Scotland
Outdoor Learning Directory Scotland
National Improvement Hub Outdoor Learning Resources
National Improvement Hub Outdoor Learning Resources
Learning for Sustainability Scotland Logo
Learning for Sustainability Scotland Logo
Inspiring Scotland Logo
Inspiring Scotland Logo

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