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SEN sessions and programmes

Outdoor adventure and learning for neurodiverse learners

Flexible programmes for learners with additional needs

Attending a Wild Learning adventure day is a huge amount of fun. It also inspires, challenges and supports practical learning and problem solving in an environment that is dramatically different to the classroom.

Wild Learning outdoor programmes help neurodiverse learners develop through a gentle range of activities that focus on developing;

  • balance
  • co-ordination and fine motor skills
  • language development
  • independence and self-care
  • self-regulation
  • social skills

It’s often more difficult for neurodiverse individuals to process information, as their senses may be over- or under-stimulated. Having the opportunity to explore the woods, climbing trees, jumping onto stepping stones, and even swinging on a rope bridge helps to regulate the stress hormone cortisol to reduce anxiety and fear, and can result in a positive learning experience.

We work with schools and with individual learners of all ages through one-off days and longer-term programmes.

”Everything was so well planned and ran smoothly. Having all the resources provided made the process very easy for us as class teachers.

”Once again thank you for a fantastic day. Lower school is ringing with approval of the day and our Senior Leadership team and Board of Directors have heard of your wonderful work.

”We thoroughly enjoyed all the sessions. Moving from one day to three sessions really made a difference as the children could build on their learning from week to week.

Schools

Come for a one-off day as a class-bonding and teamworking session, or as a class reward, or come for multiple sessions in a programme designed around your classroom needs.

Termly programmes

We work with schools to deliver ongoing programmes of sessions across the term and classes coming out every week – with bespoke plans linked to specific curriculum areas and learning objectives, tailored to the relevant year group and to any specific challenges learners may face.

Download Example termly programme PDF

With site permission and access taken care of, robust site checks, risk assessment and safeguarding procedures, and professionally qualified and experienced staff, we remove the complexity and stress of an outdoor trip.

Individual learners outside school

The Wild Learning environment provides a space to develop crucial life skills like leadership, teamwork, risk assessment, problem-solving, and environmental awareness, which become increasingly important as we mature.

Our unique outdoor environment fosters a renewed sense of engagement and connection with nature, often lacking in traditional classroom settings; this can be especially valuable for older children facing academic pressures or social challenges, and especially for  learners who are not enrolled in formal school.

We work with

  • Children that are Home Schooled
  • Children with ECHPs
  • Children that are Home Educated

Why come
into the woods?

Engaging learners with the natural environment stimulates their senses, emotions and imagination. It develops confidence, resilience and independence. But today only 21% of children regularly play outside – compared to 71% of their parents when they were children.

Research from around the world shows that regular time spent outdoors has significant positive benefits to mental health (reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing self-esteem); physical health (bone and muscle strength, flexibility, maintaining a healthy weight); and to personal behaviour (concentration, creativity, learning ability, teamwork and social skills).

”I loved making the mint tea on the fire. I got to start the fire for the others so we could keep warm.

Even Ofsted recognises the benefits:

”First-hand experiences of learning outside the classroom can help to make subjects more vivid and interesting for pupils and enhance their understanding. It can also contribute significantly to pupils’ personal, social and emotional development

Ofsted 070219 Learning outside the classroom

Why use Wild Learning?

Experienced and qualified professionals:

Wild Learning only use qualified professionals (Forest School Level 3 or equivalent) to lead our school activity days. Our leaders also have enhanced DBS certification and Outdoor First Aid qualification. We are experienced in leading groups of neurodiverse children in the outdoor environment and make sure all children participate, are engaged and having fun while achieving their learning objectives.

Secure sites, robust risk assessment, procedures and policies

We work on a small number of secure outdoor sites, which offer a genuinely wild experience combined with site security, secure parking and toilet facilities. With site permission and access taken care of, robust site checks, risk assessment and safeguarding procedures, and professionally qualified and experienced staff, we do everything we can to remove the complexity and stress of an outdoor trip.

We have sites across London and the South East (we can also site-check school grounds if you would like us to visit you instead).

We carry out regular risk assessments of every site, as well as conducting a daily risk assessment of the site before every session we run. We have comprehensive policies and procedures in place that include Risk Assessment, Health and Safety, Confidentiality, Child Protection and Safeguarding. We carry extensive Public Liability insurance.

Booking

We are happy to provide more information and discuss your particular requirements.

Please email us at

schools@wild-learning.net

or call us on 01483 424400

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