Outdoor learning is widely recognised for its positive impact on children’s wellbeing, engagement, and achievement. Across Scotland, schools are encouraged to make use of their outdoor spaces as part of the Curriculum for Excellence. But despite the enthusiasm, real barriers can make it difficult for outdoor learning to become part of everyday classroom life.
Here’s a closer look at some of the common challenges faced in Scottish primary schools—and practical ways to overcome them.
1. Time Constraint
Time is one of the biggest barriers teachers mention. With an already packed timetable and pressure to cover a broad curriculum, planning and delivering outdoor lessons can feel like an extra task rather than something that supports day-to-day teaching.
Possible solutions:
- Start small. A quick outdoor starter or 10-minute activity is often all that’s needed to get started. Activities like counting natural objects, storytelling in the playground, or measuring shadows can slot easily into existing plans.
- Link directly to curriculum outcomes. Outdoor learning can cover everything from maths and literacy to health and wellbeing. The more you tie it to what you’re already doing, the more manageable it becomes.
- Establish routine. Weekly or fortnightly outdoor slots (e.g., “Welly Wednesday”) can help embed it in school culture without feeling like extra work.
2. Weather and Seasonality
Let’s face it—Scotland isn’t known for its dry climate. Wet, windy, or cold conditions can make heading outside feel impractical, especially in the winter months.
Possible solutions:
- Prioritise suitable kit. Encourage children to keep waterproofs and wellies at school. Many schools have built up class sets through grants or donations from families.
- Plan all-weather activities. Activities like puddle investigations, nature art with fallen leaves, or writing weather poems work well in all conditions with the right clothing.
- Be flexible. If a full lesson outside isn’t realistic, take five minutes outdoors for a sensory warm-up or quick observational task.
3. Safety and Risk Management
Understandably, many teachers worry about safety. Tripping hazards, allergies, behaviour outdoors, or safeguarding concerns can all feel harder to manage outside the classroom.
Possible solutions:
- Use risk assessments to empower, not discourage. They don’t need to be lengthy or time-consuming. Online tools like Risk Assessment Wizard allow teachers to quickly generate tailored risk assessments for outdoor activities.
- Set boundaries. Take time at the start of each session to remind pupils of rules, boundaries, and expectations. Clear routines support safe behaviour.
- Involve pupils. Ask students to help spot hazards before starting an activity—this builds ownership and awareness.
4. Teacher Confidence and Experience
Not all staff feel confident taking learning outside. Some may not have had training in outdoor education or feel unsure how to manage behaviour without four walls around them.
Possible solutions:
- Start with what you know. Reading, phonics games, measuring, or sketching can all be done outdoors using existing resources and skills.
- Seek peer support. Team-teach with a colleague or ask to observe someone who regularly teaches outside.
- Look for CPD. A number of Scottish councils now offer outdoor learning training, and of course, Educate Outside provides free guides, lesson ideas, and practical advice for getting started.
5. Limited Space or Resources
While rural schools may have fields and forests, many primary schools—especially in cities—are working with small, concrete playgrounds. This can feel like a major limitation.
Possible solutions:
- Get creative. Even a small paved area can be used for data collection, chalk maths, or science investigations. Activities that involve drawing, observing, or using found objects often need very little space.
- Use local areas. Parks, beaches, churchyards, or community gardens are often within walking distance and, with a little planning, can become valuable outdoor classrooms.
- ‘Bring nature in.’ For more nature-based activities, encourage students to bring in safe natural materials from home for sorting, classifying, or art projects.
In Summary
Scotland has a proud tradition of valuing outdoor learning—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. From weather to workload, the barriers are real. But with the right mindset, support, and tools, it’s entirely possible to take small, manageable steps that build confidence and create lasting impact.
Even just a few minutes outside each week can make a huge difference to both educational standards but also the quality of our children’s lives.
