Outdoor Learning and the Forest School Approach to curriculum implementation

at Bushey Primary Education Federation

Over the last two years, we’ve been busy transforming our Forest School provision. What used to be an ‘add-on’ to the school week is now a core part of how we teach. We have completely aligned our outdoor learning with the bespoke curriculum written by our teachers, meaning the Great Outdoors now forms a direct, hands-on thread running straight through our Geography and Science curriculum.

This evolution directly answers the latest government and national priorities on sustainability, as well as the DfE guidance urging schools to deliver meaningful enrichment and enhancement opportunities in line with the curriculum.  Over many years, we have invested heavily in our people, resourcing and sites to make this happen, and we will continue to prioritise this aspect of the children’s experience of school, across both of our sites into the school year 2026 to 2027.

We are incredibly proud of our parent association, who have worked wonders developing our site at Bushey & Oxhey Infants  to include an outdoor classroom, fire pit, bug hotel, and outdoor reading area. Our current focus is on tidying up and building upon this fantastic foundation.

At Bushey Manor Juniors Eco-Committee and parents have award-winning plans to develop the site, with work kicking off this Summer 2026. 

(Want to dive deeper into our green plans? Check out our dedicated Sustainability Webpage) https://www.busheyfederation.org.uk/sustainability-and-climate-action-planning-2025-to/

Why we value and seek to develop our outdoor learning provision:

By moving beyond the traditional classroom, we aren't just teaching facts; we are leveling the playing field for all children and supporting their emotional and developmental needs.

A structured approach to that encompasses outdoor opportunities for learning, aligned to the national curriculum, focuses on seven key areas:

• Confidence: Freedom and space allow children to grow independently at their own pace.
• Communication: Rich sensory experiences spark language development, self-esteem, and better expression.
• Social Skills: Sharing tools and collaborating on outdoor projects strengthens team bonds.
• Motivation & Concentration: High engagement outside leads to sharper focus inside.
• Knowledge & Understanding: Developing a hands-on relationship with the natural world inspires our next generation of environmental protectors.
• Levelling the Playing Field: Removing classroom pressures allows children with different strengths to shine, particularly benefiting those who find traditional academic settings challenging.
• Pure Enjoyment: Bottom line? Learning outside is fun. It blends deep education with exploration, and quite simply, happier children learn better.

Forest School Curriculum Map