Skip to main content
Learning Outside the Classroom

OutdoorLearning.

Woodland, wildlife and adventure are built into every learner's curriculum at New Seeds Education. Every activity is mapped to EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood — it's not an add-on, it's part of the timetable.

What We Offer

Outdoor Learning, Built Into the Curriculum

Every learner at New Seeds Education takes part in regular, structured outdoor learning — Forest School sessions, animal care, woodland projects, themed enhancement days and supported residential stays.

Sessions are collaboratively planned by our staff to link directly to each learner's EHCP targets and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes. Delivery is led by qualified teachers and Level 3 Forest School Leaders, in fully accessible settings designed for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

EHCP-Mapped
Every session linked to outcomes
SEND Specialist
Wheelchair accessible
Qualified Staff
Teachers + L3 Forest Leaders
Timetabled Weekly
Across the 6-term year
Child exploring natureOutdoor adventure activitiesNature explorationCampfire learning
Curriculum-Mapped Activities

Outdoor Learning Across All Pathways

Every activity is mapped to our curriculum pathways, EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood

Forest School Programme

All Pathways
All agesWeekly (6-week blocks)

Hands-on woodland learning led by Level 3 Forest School Leaders. Learners build fires, use tools, solve problems and direct their own learning in a natural environment.

EHCP Outcomes Supported
Self-regulation & emotional resilience
Sensory processing & physical development
Risk assessment & decision making
Communication & social skills
Independent LivingHealth & Wellbeing

Animal Encounter Sessions

Engagement & Functional
All agesFortnightly / Termly

Caring for animals at a dedicated farm site — feeding rabbits, collecting eggs, meeting the tortoise. Builds responsibility, empathy and routine, supporting therapeutic engagement.

EHCP Outcomes Supported
Empathy & emotional regulation
Following routines & instructions
Sensory engagement
Building trust & nurturing skills
Health & WellbeingCommunity Inclusion

Woodland Foresters Project

Functional & Accredited
11–15 years (Post-16)6-week programme

Practical woodland management skills including sawing, building, conservation and teamwork. Develops vocational skills and self-confidence in a structured outdoor environment.

EHCP Outcomes Supported
Practical & vocational skills
Teamwork & communication
Physical strength & coordination
Self-confidence & independence
EmploymentIndependent Living

Learn & Grow Project

All Pathways (Post-16)
16–25 years (Post-16)6-week programme

Designed for young adults to develop independence, employability and life skills through outdoor learning. Funded programme supporting disadvantaged young people and those with SEND.

EHCP Outcomes Supported
Employability & work readiness
Independence & self-management
Social skills & community awareness
Mental health & wellbeing
EmploymentIndependent LivingCommunity InclusionHealth & Wellbeing

Encounter & Enhancement Days

All Pathways
All agesTermly day visits

Themed day visits including animal habitats, den building, orienteering, WWII history, science exploration, and eco-warrior activities. Directly supports curriculum delivery.

EHCP Outcomes Supported
Cross-curricular knowledge
Problem solving & critical thinking
Physical activity & sensory learning
Historical & scientific understanding
Community InclusionHealth & Wellbeing

Residential Stays

Functional & Accredited
All agesTermly (1–2 nights)

Supported overnight stays at a fully accessible residential lodge. Builds independence, social skills and confidence through a structured residential experience.

EHCP Outcomes Supported
Independence & self-care
Social skills & relationship building
Night-time routines & self-regulation
Resilience & confidence
Independent LivingCommunity InclusionHealth & Wellbeing
2026/27 Academic Year

Termly Outdoor Learning Plan

How outdoor learning is scheduled across the 6-term year

Autumn 1
Forest School Block 1 (6 weeks)
Encounter Day: Animal Habitats
Programme
Autumn 2
Woodland Foresters (Post-16) / Learn & Grow (Post-16)
Enhancement Day: WWII Shelters
Programme
Spring 1
Forest School Block 2 (6 weeks)
Residential Stay 1
Programme
Spring 2
Animal Encounter Sessions (Fortnightly)
Enhancement Day: Science Explorer
Enrichment
Summer 1
Woodland Foresters / Learn & Grow Block 2
Residential Stay 2
Programme
Summer 2
Forest School Block 3 + Celebration Day
Enhancement Day: Eco Warrior
Programme
Preparation for Adulthood

How Outdoor Learning Prepares Learners for Life

Every outdoor activity maps to one or more PfA outcomes, building the skills young people need for adulthood

Employment

Woodland management skills, tool use, animal care responsibilities, teamwork projects

Independent Living

Fire building, cooking outdoors, residential self-care, navigation and wayfinding

Community Inclusion

Conservation work, community visits, group challenges, local heritage exploration

Health & Wellbeing

Physical activity in nature, emotional regulation, sensory engagement, forest bathing

The Evidence

Why Learning Outside the Classroom Matters

92%

of teachers say LOtC improves engagement

85%

of SEND learners show improved behaviour outdoors

L3

all Forest School sessions led by Level 3 qualified leaders

Forest School Association

"Forest School is an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees."
Our Delivery Partner

Delivered in Partnership with The Kingswood Trust

Our outdoor learning offer is delivered alongside The Kingswood Trust, a specialist outdoor education charity on our doorstep at Albrighton

The Kingswood Trust is a charity based at Kingswood, Albrighton — within walking distance of our college. They hold the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, a nationally recognised indicator of good quality outdoor education combining learning and safety.

Their team of qualified teachers and Level 3 Forest School Leaders deliver activities specifically designed for children and young people with SEND, including a fully accessible site, farm animals and residential accommodation. Every session is collaboratively planned with our staff to link directly to each learner's EHCP targets.

LOtC Quality Badge
Nationally accredited
Albrighton, WV7
Walking distance from college
Holyhead Road, Kingswood, WV7 3AP 01902 558132 Kingswood@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Nature Is Part of Our Curriculum

Every learner at New Seeds Education benefits from regular, timetabled outdoor learning. It's not an add-on — it's built into the curriculum.