Why This Course Matters
Outdoor learning plays a vital role in supporting children’s development, health and wellbeing. It offers opportunities that simply cannot be replicated indoors, helping children build confidence, resilience, creativity and independence through hands-on experiences.
However, effective outdoor learning is about much more than taking children outside. It requires thoughtful planning, skilled practitioners and environments that encourage curiosity, exploration and meaningful learning. Every outdoor space, regardless of its size, has the potential to become a rich learning environment when practitioners understand how to make the most of it.
This course has been designed to give Early Years professionals the practical knowledge and confidence to create engaging outdoor experiences that support all areas of children’s development. Through realistic examples, interactive activities and practical strategies, learners will discover how to promote communication, physical development, problem-solving, risk awareness and inclusive practice while making the most of natural resources and everyday outdoor opportunities.
Whether you work in a nursery, preschool, childminding setting or family centre, this CPD-accredited course will help you develop outdoor learning experiences that inspire children, enrich everyday practice and support high-quality Early Years education.
What You Will Learn
By completing this CPD-accredited course, you will gain practical knowledge and confidence to create engaging outdoor learning experiences that support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
You will learn how to:
- Understand the value of outdoor learning in Early Years practice.
- Create inspiring outdoor environments that encourage exploration, curiosity and play.
- Support communication, language and learning through meaningful outdoor experiences.
- Promote physical development, resilience and confidence through challenge and appropriate risky play.
- Use loose parts and natural resources to enrich children’s learning and creativity.
- Understand the important role of the practitioner in facilitating high-quality outdoor learning.
- Create inclusive outdoor experiences that meet the needs of all children throughout the seasons.
- Apply practical ideas immediately within nurseries, preschools, childminding settings and other Early Years environments.
- Reflect on your own practice and identify opportunities to enhance outdoor learning within your setting.
- Achieve a recognised CPD-accredited certificate worth 2 CPD credits on successful completion of the course.
Designed for Early Years Professionals
This course is suitable for anyone working in Early Learning and Childcare settings who wants to develop their understanding of observation, assessment, and planning and how these processes support children’s learning and development.
It is particularly relevant for:
• Early Years practitioners
• Nursery and preschool staff
• Childminders
• Playworkers
• Teaching assistants
• Early Years students and trainees
• Room leaders and managers
The course is designed to support both new and experienced practitioners by providing practical, real-world guidance that can be applied in everyday Early Years practice.
No prior training is required to complete this course.
Interactive and Practical Learning
This course has been designed to keep learning engaging, practical and relevant to everyday Early Years practice. Rather than simply reading through information, you’ll work through a variety of interactive activities that help reinforce your understanding and encourage you to apply your learning to real-life situations.
Throughout the course, you will complete short video lessons, realistic scenarios, knowledge checks, reflection tasks and interactive exercises that explore how outdoor learning can be planned and delivered effectively. You’ll also have access to practical resources and useful guidance that can be downloaded and used within your own setting.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, confidence and practical ideas to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences that inspire curiosity, support children’s development and make the most of every outdoor space.
Accreditation and CPD
This course is CPD accredited by The CPD Group and has been awarded 2 CPD Credits.
Upon successful completion of the course and final assessment, learners will receive a CPD certificate that can be used as evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
This course can be used to support:
✔ CPD portfolios
✔ Staff training and development records
✔ Care Inspectorate inspections
✔ Ofsted inspections
✔ Professional development reviews and appraisals
The course includes a final 10-question assessment with an 80% pass mark. Once passed, your certificate will be available for immediate download.
CPD Credit Value: 2 Credits
Approximate Duration: 60–90 Minutes
Take Learning Beyond the Classroom
Great outdoor learning doesn’t happen by chance. It is created by confident practitioners who understand how to turn everyday outdoor experiences into meaningful opportunities for children to learn, explore and thrive.
Enrol today and strengthen your knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence in planning and delivering high-quality outdoor learning experiences within your Early Years setting.
Develop the skills to create engaging outdoor environments, encourage exploration and risky play, support communication and physical development, use natural resources effectively, and ensure every child benefits from inclusive, inspiring outdoor learning. On successful completion, you’ll receive a CPD-accredited certificate worth 2 CPD credits.
