Forest school and outdoor learning lead

Daniel Vasey

I want pupils to learn by taking part: handling materials, making choices and seeing what happens when they try something.

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A little about me

I lead Forest School and outdoor learning across the school. I want pupils to learn by taking part: handling materials, making choices and seeing what happens when they try something. The adult’s role is often to work alongside the group and help them notice what they are doing.

Outdoor sessions can change with the conditions. I plan activities that give pupils a clear purpose while leaving room to adapt the task to the setting and the group. Practical skills need to be introduced thoughtfully, with expectations made clear before pupils begin.

I look for resources that help teachers prepare an invitation and know what to observe. A question can bring attention to a decision or a change in the materials, while a record of the activity helps pupils reflect afterwards. I value learning that grows from doing and gives children time to explain what they noticed.

How I approach a lesson

  1. Begin with a practical invitation pupils can explore.

  2. Adapt outdoor activities to the conditions and group.

  3. Use observation and reflection to connect doing with learning.

Templates I'd use with my class

Explore these templates and decide what fits your own setting.

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