Welsh Policies Supporting Outdoor Learning
There is always debate over which documents, policies, and guidelines are essential and which are less relevant. Furthermore, we question whether documents alone are enough to support staff delivering outdoor learning or if something more—such as professional development, networking, or case studies—is required. Some of these documents you will no doubt be very familiar with, while others may be less well known. We have collated them here to support you.
Curriculum for Wales (2020)
The Curriculum for Wales provides a flexible, broad-based education framework for learners aged 3 to 16. It encourages experiential and outdoor learning across all Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE), particularly in Science and Technology, Health and Well-being, and Humanities. Outdoor learning is embedded in its four purposes, aiming to develop ambitious, creative, ethical, and confident learners.
📄 Access the Curriculum for Wales: Hwb Website
High-Quality Outdoor Learning for Wales (2018)
This document provides a framework for delivering high-quality outdoor learning in Wales. It defines outdoor learning, outlines key themes such as participation, risk management, and progression, and presents ten key outcomes that outdoor learning should achieve. The guidance is designed for schools, youth organisations, and outdoor learning providers.
📄 Download the document: Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel (OEAP)
Successful Futures (2015)
The Successful Futures report by Professor Graham Donaldson laid the foundations for the Curriculum for Wales. It emphasised outdoor learning as a key pedagogical tool, supporting hands-on, experiential learning that builds resilience, curiosity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
📄 Download the report: Welsh Government
Teaching and Learning in the Outdoors: The Current State of Outdoor Learning in Schools in Wales (2023)
This research document provides an overview of how outdoor learning is currently implemented in Welsh schools. It highlights the need for a national outdoor learning strategy, better funding, and increased teacher training. Findings suggest that while many schools value outdoor learning, challenges such as funding, professional development, and policy clarity remain.
📄 Access the report: Hwb Website
Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC) (2012)
This document integrates sustainability and global citizenship into Welsh education, promoting outdoor, place-based learning that helps students understand their environment and social responsibilities. It provides strategies for embedding sustainability across different subjects and highlights outdoor learning as a key teaching approach.
📄 Download the document: Welsh Government
Foundation Phase Outdoor Learning Handbook (2009)
A practical guide for early years educators, this handbook offers detailed strategies for using outdoor environments in early education. It supports the Foundation Phase’s ethos of experiential learning, helping practitioners create stimulating outdoor learning opportunities.
📄 Download the handbook: Hwb Website
Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015)
This landmark legislation ensures that public bodies in Wales, including schools, consider the long-term impact of their decisions. The Act encourages outdoor learning as a key tool for promoting well-being, physical activity, and sustainability.
📄 Read more: Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Environment Act (Wales) (2016)
The Environment Act provides a legal framework for sustainable resource management in Wales. It recognises education’s role in promoting environmental responsibility and encourages schools to use outdoor learning to foster environmental awareness.
📄 Learn more: Natural Resources Wales
Outdoor Learning Guidance for Educational Visits
Issued by the Welsh Government, this guidance helps schools and education providers ensure that outdoor learning and educational visits are safe, inclusive, and meaningful. It provides practical advice on risk assessments, legal considerations, and best practices.
📄 Access the guidance: Welsh Government
Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill
This proposed Bill aims to make residential outdoor learning experiences a statutory requirement for all school children in Wales. It highlights the importance of immersive, extended outdoor experiences in developing resilience, independence, and environmental awareness.
📄 Read more: Senedd Research
Estyn Reports on Outdoor Learning
Estyn, the Welsh education inspectorate, has published reports highlighting how outdoor learning enhances student engagement and achievement. Schools that integrate regular outdoor learning report higher levels of student well-being, motivation, and attainment.
📄 Explore the latest reports: Estyn Website
Conclusion
These policies and frameworks offer a strong foundation for outdoor learning in Wales. However, documents alone are not enough. Teachers and outdoor learning practitioners need ongoing professional development, resources, and networks to fully embed outdoor experiences into education.
Would you like more support with implementing outdoor learning? Get in touch or explore our lesson ideas, training opportunities, and practical resources!
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