At The Lodge, our outdoor learning program is built on the philosophy of Forest School: a child-centred, inspirational process that supports holistic growth through regular sessions. This isn't just a day out; it's a long-term journey where children are encouraged to play, explore, and engage in supported risk-taking. By facilitating learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting, we powerfully develop a child's confidence and self-esteem.

​

Outdoor learning is about much more than just gathering knowledge—it's about developing the whole child. We create a safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing environment that allows learners to try new activities and take essential risks. This approach helps participants become healthy, resilient, creative, and independent learners by facilitating their social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and intellectual development.

​

The Lodge's dedication to outdoor education offers numerous, tangible benefits for every child:

​

• Deep Connection with Nature: As a Woodland Trust Green Tree Award school, we provide children with structured opportunities to explore and connect with the natural world, fostering a deep, lifelong appreciation for the environment.

• Boosted Physical Health: Our extensive outdoor facilities—including an outdoor pool, trampoline, swings, and obstacle course—encourage constant physical movement, promoting fitness and overall health.

• Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Time spent in nature is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mood, contributing significantly to better emotional health for all children.

• Stronger Social Skills: Group activities and projects naturally foster essential skills like teamwork, communication, and collaboration.

• Unleashed Creativity and Imagination: The dynamic outdoor environment is the ultimate stimulus, encouraging imaginative play, innovative ideas, and practical problem-solving.

• Practical Risk Management: We provide supervised opportunities for children to assess and manage risks in a natural setting, which is vital for developing resilience and self-confidence.

• Increased Environmental Awareness: Through hands-on natural experiences, our learners develop a strong understanding of ecological concepts and the importance of conservation.

• Fostering Independence and Self-Regulation: Learners are empowered to engage in exploration, make their own decisions, and manage their activities and projects, building crucial independence and self-control.

​

Overall, The Lodge’s outdoor learning offer is a holistic approach to education that nurtures the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of our learners.

​

To recognize and celebrate a learner's growth in outdoor skills, every child at The Lodge works toward Forest Explores Award badges. This program allows us to acknowledge and reward different levels of ability (Sapling, Growing, and Maturing) across key themes:

​

• Tool Skills

• Den and Shelter Building

• Fire Skills

• Woodland Cooking

• Environmental awareness & Skills

• Shelter building

• Woodland Craft

​