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Over the last few weeks FSC staff have been using their remote delivery skills in the four final Nature Friendly Schools (NFS) CPD webinars for Primary, Secondary, Special School and Alternative Provision Institute (API) staff across England. The NFS project is funded by the Department for Education, in partnership with DEFRA and Natural England. It is delivered by a partnership of charities including FSC, The Wildlife Trusts, Groundwork, The Sensory Trust and Young Minds. Find out more about the project here:  https://www.naturefriendlyschools.co.uk/

This image was taken before Covid-19 restrictions were in place

The NFS project supports schools to enable pupils to benefit from learning outdoors for two hours each week, with a specific focus on positive mental health and wellbeing. Teachers are supported through a year of intervention, through training and mentoring, to develop their understanding and ability to deliver outdoor learning in their own settings. Using school grounds and nearby green spaces to deliver outdoor learning focussing on subjects across the curriculum.

“My NFS Education Officer has helped me learn how to plan better outdoor lessons”

Teacher taking part in a Nature Friendly Schools webinar

The CPD training and support package available to NFS schools includes 16 webinars delivered by FSC. The final 4 webinars gave school staff a platform to connect, share and reflect on their experiences, particularly during these challenging times. Teachers who attended the webinar were able to share outdoor learning best practice, celebrate their achievements and make plans for their next steps to engage pupils at school and via distance learning. This past year has not been without its challenges for teachers and schools, which has impacted some schools’ ability to engage with the project, however, FSC staff received some fantastic feedback about the positive impacts the NFS project is having upon pupils, teachers and schools, including that “Mud is OK”!

“Children, in all areas of the school absolutely love getting outside and is it is highly likely that on most days, muddy children will be in the school”.

Teacher taking part in a Nature Friendly Schools CPD webinar

Many schools have been working extremely hard to deliver distance learning to their pupils. Teachers explained how this highlighted the value of outdoor learning:

“It has been important for children to have some time away from devices while remote learning, by setting them work based on outdoor learning”.

Teacher taking part in a Nature Friendly Schools CPD webinar

We’re excited and optimistic about welcoming a new group of schools to begin their NFS journey with FSC and our partners in April. Hopefully with lots more muddy children and young people, preferably taking their outdoor shoes off at the door!


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