In a bold endeavor to revolutionise education, ESP Play, a prominent UK-based playground design, manufacturing, and installation company, is championing outdoor learning and play in schools throughout England and Wales. With recent research shedding light on the decline of outdoor learning for primary school pupils in Scotland, ESP Play firmly believes that incorporating outdoor classrooms into the school curriculum is of paramount importance for the holistic development of young learners.
Drawing attention to the concerning decline in outdoor learning time for primary school pupils, a survey conducted by the University of Stirling revealed a stark contrast, indicating only seven minutes of outdoor learning per pupil per week in 2022, compared to 30 minutes in 2014. While Covid-related restrictions have played a role in this decline, the report also highlighted the lack of confidence among practitioners in providing outdoor learning opportunities. Nonetheless, there was a positive increase in outdoor play and learning during the early years, reaching 39% of the day compared to 36% in the 2014 survey.
Recognising the pivotal role of outdoor learning and play in nurturing children’s physical and mental well-being, while bolstering their educational growth, ESP Play advocates for outdoor classrooms to become an integral part of the curriculum in England and Wales, mirroring their prominence in Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.
Andrew Wood, Managing Director of ESP Play, expressed concern about the dwindling outdoor play and learning opportunities, stating, “We have witnessed the benefits of outdoor learning for years, and it is disheartening to see its decline. At ESP Play, we are passionate about transforming outdoor spaces into interactive and engaging learning environments. We firmly believe that outdoor classrooms not only foster a deeper connection with nature but also enhance the learning experience, making it more interdisciplinary, enjoyable, and meaningful for students.”
Aligned with the vision of Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services, and Skills, ESP Play emphasises outdoor learning as an essential component of a well-rounded and comprehensive curriculum. Encouraging schools to explicitly reference outdoor learning in their self-evaluation and during inspection visits, Ofsted echoes the company’s call for embracing outdoor education.
Urging educational institutions in England and Wales to invest in professional learning for teachers, ESP Play envisions enhancing their confidence in providing outdoor learning opportunities. By doing so, learners can delve into various curriculum areas, such as mathematics, science, and literacy, while addressing vital topics like sustainability, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
Andrew Wood added, “We stand ready to collaborate closely with schools nationwide to create outdoor spaces that foster active, confident, healthy, and determined young individuals. By utilising the school playground as a context for genuine improvements in education, we can elevate standards and make a positive impact on children’s lives.”
As an industry leader, ESP Play is resolute in advocating for the integration of outdoor learning into the school curriculum, championing the well-being and educational outcomes of young people across the country.
For further details about ESP Play and their outdoor playground solutions, please visit www.espplay.co.uk.
