leaRNING OUTDOORS in early childhood

This module has been created for professionals working in the early childhood field who have a strong interest in learning outdoors, such as:

- Owners, managers and heads of early years settings;

- Teachers working with children from birth to 3, 3 -5 and 5-7 years;

- Early years practitioners supporting provision and practice from birth to seven

- Advisers, trainers and consultants working in the field of early childhood education, consultants and trainers working or interested in all aspects of outdoor education, especially nature-based programmes.

The key areas of focus include:

- Child development and the foundational role of experience outdoors

- Learning and well-being theories and their application in practice outdoors in early childhood

- Pioneers and models of early childhood outdoor provision and pedagogy

- Understanding of space and place through environments and landscape disciplines

- International perspectives and the provocations they pose for contesting practice in the UK

- Reflection, evaluation and action research on current provision and practice

This module provides an extensive opportunity to investigate the main theories and pedagogies relevant to contemporary educational practice outdoors and introduces the relevant issues and debates, encouraging critical and independent appraisal. Both content and assignments present opportunities to acquire the theory base and knowledge that will enable participants to develop their practice as follows:

- A deep understanding of how being outdoors supports wellbeing, child development, play and learning;

- A strong belief and commitment to outdoor provision in Early Years services and in young children’s lives;

- A strong vision and value base for learning outdoors from birth to seven;

- Clarity about what and how to provide for learning outdoors;

- Ability to articulate to and support the development of others;

- Confidence and self-efficacy regarding learning outdoors.