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LTL Cymru contribute to Foundation Phase Outdoor Learning Training Module

2/10/2008

Last month saw the introduction of the Foundation Phase in Wales, a new education framework for 3 to 7 year olds. It places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and learning through play, meeting the diverse needs of all children whilst making learning active and fun. Naturally, therefore, there is a greater emphasis on using the outdoor environment as a resource for children’s learning. Over the past nine months, LTL Cymru has been working hard with the Welsh Assembly Government and other NGOs to develop an Outdoor Learning module for practitioners, which forms part of the National Training Pack. LTL Cymru led the Outdoor Module working group, which included of two Local Authority advisors, a representative from the non-maintained sector, two Foundation Phase Training and Support Officers and representatives from the Woodlands for Learning. This wide membership ensured that the module would be comprehensive, far-reaching and relevant to all practitioners involved in delivering the Foundation Phase. In order to demonstrate why learning outdoors is so valuable and important, the module is designed to be a interactive as possible, so that practitioners get first-hand experience of what is possible outdoors, how children can learn holistically, and the how the indoors and outdoors can support each other. The module contains sections including: • The holistic nature of outdoor learning • Curriculum links and progression • Auditing space and practice • Health and safety and risk management • The role of adults (practitioner, parents, colleagues, governors, caretaker) • Practical ideas for outdoor learning • Planning for outdoor learning • Observing and recording outdoor learning As part of the training day practitioners can expect to study continuous, enhanced and focused provision in the outdoors and have a go at some of the activities themselves. There will also be plenty of opportunities learn more about observation outdoors, as this is an important aspect of holistic teaching and learning. Many settings are conscious of risk and challenge in the outdoors, and so the training pack contains a comprehensive section to help practitioners tackle any issues. As we know, knowledgeable and enthusiastic adults are crucial to unlocking the potential of the outdoors. The pack hopes to help settings to gather the support of all staff, and demonstrate how play and learning outdoors can be extremely effective and turn negative thoughts into more positive steps forward. The training pack was recently presented to all Foundation Phase Training and Support Officers and is currently in the final stage of printing. It is hoped that this important module will be rolled out to Local Authorities as soon as possible, so that training of practitioners can begin in the near future. Following our leading role in the development of the training pack, LTL Cymru’s commitment to active learning in the outdoors continues. Many of our membership resources and publications support the principles of the Foundation Phase, and our extensive library of membership resources has lots of ideas about how to use your outdoor space effectively. For more information on membership, please visit the UK-wide LTL site at www.ltl.org.uk