Sue Falch-Lovesey Head Environmental & Outdoor Learning Children’s Services, Norfolk County Council ‘Environments’ for Learning - How can we promote learning without high costs? …….WHY?

Plan for Session Why ? Exploring links and key themes Child-centred learning and play…. for all ages Conceiving and delivering a high quality sustainable school environment

Key Initiatives Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto Sustainable Schools Framework k/sustainableschools

Healthy Sustainable Schools Schools that are a microcosm of what we want to see in society. Schools that are offering relevant learning experiences for young people now, which envisage the issues that they will need to deal with in their futures.

One off env. days/weeks Statutory ESD covered Occasional off-site visits Every action, decision & outcome considered ESD permeates teaching, learning, management & leadership Wider links exist ESD/LOtC opps. mapped Supports SIP -links in SEF Ethos is embedded/shared Progressive outdoor learning in grounds & offsite Waste Grounds & Biodiversity Procurement Sustainable construction Travel & Traffic Energy & Water Influence decision making beyond the school Food and Drink Global dimension Inclusion and participation of young people

The 2 sides of the coin ? + ‘ve possibilities (eg. through diverse outdoor experiences or improving biodiversity) -enjoyment and love for the environment -understanding its relevance & improving it -making strong connection reducing -’ve impacts (eg. through waste, energy, water, travel projects etc.) -wise resource use -restraint and ethics -pollution reduction -link choices and impacts

‘’Sustainability is about using our unlimited brain capacity instead of our limited natural resources” Helsinki District Councillor

Sustainability & Outdoor Learning Key Theme 1 Diverse, high quality opportunity and access to the outdoors from a young age not only helps young people to appreciate, enjoy and respect their natural heritage..but also Builds self confidence, self- esteem and supports the raising achievement agenda

Sustainability & Outdoor Learning Key Theme 2 Where young people connect with, respect and love their environment and understand its relevance to their own health and wellbeing…they can also…. Feel inspired to reduce their negative impacts and have the knowledge and first hand experience to make much more informed and wise choices

Sustainability & Outdoor Learning Key Theme 3 Where we design and build schools that function as sustainable communities ….we are also…. More able to ‘holistically’ model practice that will stay with young people for the rest of their lives and thus support young people to live more sustainable lifestyles

Sustainability & Outdoor Learning Key Theme 4 Where we link learning opportunities to livelihood choices, say by offering qualifications and mentoring possibilities through countryside management opportunities ….we also…. Help young people to see the fundamental link between Ecology and Economy and this can help them to gain healthy enjoyable work that supports environmental quality and financial sustainability

What the Children say… “It’s a feeling you just can’t put into words” “It was an absolute pleasure being with nature” “I think it was the best lesson ever” “ It can keep us in balance with in-door learning and out-door learning” “You learnt a lot about nature and it helps you in the future” “It was a fantastic experience, brilliant”

School Grounds - Key Considerations Needs of young people and the curriculum Existing use of space Inspiration from beyond! Involvement of young people - appropriately Indoor/outdoor interface Recognise the barriers Access support INSET - use the space more creatively Prioritise and take time Link to SEF/SIP

‘Needs’ based tool for grounds development *Use with diamond ranking

Role of Pupil Participation *Harts Ladder of participation

Grounds Development Checklist * A quick planning tool

Linking LOtC and Sustainable Schools with your SEF * ‘SEF’ table activity

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