Outdoor Classroom


Our “Woodland Workshop” creates a great focus for outdoor learning. Pupils have starter lessons in our woodland themed room, packed with useful resources, then venture outside to explore the natural environment and give a real-life focus to learning.

Our building was constructed by the Hideout House Company, www.hideouthouse.com , who are experts in outdoor classrooms and eco renewable energy equipment. It is made using beautiful cedar wood, and has an atrium style glazed roof with cedar shingle tiles.


Children sit on recycled benches (made from scaffold boards) and storage units are repurposed apple crates. When the children are using the room, forest sounds are played (birdsong, trickling streams, occasional thunder storms) through a solar powered speaker.


Pupils are encouraged to look out for flora and fauna and our blackboard stand records the wildlife that has been spotted.

Mrs Wood has led sessions for all pupils and classes will be using the workshop regularly with their own teachers to take our learning outside wherever possible.


The workshop also produces renewable energy through a solar panel and a mini wind turbine. The children can see how this is renewed through the monitoring panel.



Thank you so much to the Friends of Woodland View (FOWV), and parental support of their events, for providing donations to school that have helped us create this magical resource for all our pupils.


Outdoor learning is important to us as it helps to:

  • develop problem-solving approaches in ‘real’ situations
  • encourage holistic development of children
  • develop resilience and adaptability in occasionally adverse circumstances
  • allow children to become more able to identify hazards and risks
  • develop an understanding of renewable energy sources
  • develop a love, appreciation and respect for nature and all that is living
  • develop an understanding of how we can look after our environment
  • develop self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem
  • develop collaborative-working and communication skills
  • provide positive health benefits – both physically and mentally – and assist gross and fine-motor development
  • develop a lifelong love of the outdoors

Please contact the office if you require a paper copy of any of these documents.

© 2020 Woodland View Primary School