Outdoor Learning for Schools

Some of the most memorable learning happens when children are free to explore, discover and experience the world around them.

At Hidden Woods, we create engaging outdoor learning experiences that bring education to life through nature. From curriculum linked learning days and Forest School sessions to team building and wellbeing programmes and end of term celebrations, every visit is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and create lasting memories.

Set within our beautiful woodland on the Somerset, Wiltshire and Bath & North East Somerset borders, we welcome schools from across the region throughout the academic year.

Whether you're planning a one off visit or looking for regular outdoor learning opportunities, we'll work with you to create an experience that's perfectly suited to your pupils and learning objectives.

Why Learn Outdoors?

Outdoor learning offers opportunities that simply cannot be recreated inside a classroom.

In the woodland, children are encouraged to investigate, collaborate, solve problems, ask questions and challenge themselves in ways that feel exciting and meaningful.

Learning through nature supports physical wellbeing, creativity, communication, teamwork and resilience, whilst giving children the freedom to learn through experience rather than observation.

Many teachers tell us that children who are quiet in the classroom become confident leaders outdoors, while those who find traditional learning challenging often discover new strengths and talents.

Our aim is simple, to create experiences that children genuinely enjoy whilst delivering meaningful learning that stays with them long after they return to school.

What We Offer

Every visit is tailored to your school, year group and learning objectives.

Activities can include:

• Forest School experiences

• Bushcraft and woodland skills

• Shelter building

• Fire lighting and campfire cooking

• Woodland crafts

• Nature identification

• Seasonal activities

• Environmental education

• Team building challenges

• Outdoor problem solving

• Wellbeing days

• Curriculum enrichment

• Celebration and reward days

Whether you're introducing Reception pupils to the wonders of woodland wildlife or challenging older students with practical bushcraft skills, every session is designed to be engaging, inclusive and memorable.

Why the Woodland Environment Works

Nature has an extraordinary ability to reduce pressure and create opportunities for genuine engagement.

Unlike a traditional classroom, the woodland provides space to move, explore, regulate emotions and learn naturally through experience.

Children are able to:

• build confidence through achievable challenges

• develop communication through shared experiences

• improve emotional regulation in a calm environment

• increase attention and engagement through child led learning

• strengthen problem solving and independence

• develop resilience through practical activities

• improve fine and gross motor skills

• build trusting relationships with consistent adults

For many children, simply removing the demands of a conventional classroom creates the conditions needed for learning to begin again.

Our Approach

Relationships come first.

Every placement begins with getting to know the child, understanding their interests and building trust.

Our practitioners use relationship based, child led approaches inspired by therapeutic practice, allowing children to feel safe enough to engage before gradually extending learning opportunities.

Sessions may include:

• woodland exploration

• outdoor play

• bushcraft

• woodland crafts

• campfire cooking

• nature connection

• practical problem solving

• sensory activities

• creative projects

• teamwork

• wildlife discovery

• seasonal learning

These activities are never an end in themselves.

They are carefully chosen to support communication, confidence, emotional regulation, attention, social interaction and independence.

Our programmes remain flexible, responding to each child's needs, pace and interests while maintaining consistent routines that help children feel secure.

EHCP Outcome Focused Provision

Hidden Woods works closely with local authorities, schools and families to ensure every placement supports agreed educational outcomes.

Where appropriate, programmes are designed around:

• EHCP outcomes

• Section F provision

• Individual Education Plans

• SEN Support plans

• Reintegration plans

• Transition programmes

• Alternative Provision referrals

We regularly monitor progress and provide clear written reports that demonstrate how each child is progressing towards their agreed targets.

Working with Schools and Local Authorities

We believe the best outcomes are achieved through partnership.

We work collaboratively with:

• Local Authorities

• SEN teams

• Schools

• SENCOs

• Inclusion Leads

• Educational Psychologists

• Parents and carers

• Other professionals supporting the child

Before every placement we take time to understand the child's needs, strengths and existing support strategies so that our provision complements, rather than duplicates, the work already taking place.

Regular communication ensures everyone involved has a shared understanding of progress and next steps.

Individual and Small Group Provision

We offer flexible provision depending on each child's needs.

This may include:

• Individual sessions

• Small therapeutic groups

• Transition programmes

• Short term placements

• Longer term Alternative Provision

• Supported reintegration into school

• Bespoke programmes linked to EHCP outcomes

Where appropriate, opportunities for carefully planned peer interaction are introduced gradually, always prioritising emotional safety and positive relationships.

Why Choose Hidden Woods?

Schools and local authorities choose Hidden Woods because we provide:

✓ Calm, low demand woodland environment

✓ Child centred, relationship based practice

✓ Personalised programmes

✓ SEND experienced practitioners

✓ Therapeutic outdoor learning

✓ EHCP outcome focused provision

✓ Individual and small group placements

✓ Regular written progress reports

✓ Close partnership with schools and local authorities

✓ Flexible programmes tailored to each child

✓ Approved Alternative Provision provider for Somerset Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council

Frequently Asked Questions