In today’s technologically-driven world, children’s access to outdoor play opportunities has significantly diminished. School play opportunities are therefore vital, writes API's Mark Hardy

When finances are stretched, how can headteachers make residential trips more cost-effective and affordable? Mark Castle, CEO of the Field Studies Council, explores the options

Access to nature provides both physical and mental health benefits, as well as allowing children to develop confidence, resilience and an increased focus for learning, writes Becky O'Melia

The Land Trust has launched a three-year education strategy to encourage more children to get out of the classroom and learn in an outdoor environment.

Return on investment from educational visits

Schools are under pressure to balance the books, so it has never been more important to justify the educational benefits of trips and demonstrate value for money

Prioritise outdoor play to give your pupils an advantage

The positive impact that outdoor play has on children in terms of concentration and academic achievement means those schools which don’t prioritise play could be at a disadvantage

Funding learning outside the classroom

Why schools must continue to invest in outdoor learning and offers some advice on overcoming funding barriers

Following the tragic events in London and Manchester, schools have been cancelling school trips, both nationally and abroad.

School trips allow pupils to improve relationships with their teachers and each other, as well as enhance their confidence. But, the costs and time involved in organising trips can be a challenge.

Mark Hardy, chair of API, discusses what support and resources are out there to help schools improve their play and sports facilities.

Griffin Primary School students watering trees

The Woodland Trust’s Liz Carney explores the behavioural and educational benefits of getting pupils out of the classroom, planting trees and engaging with their natural environment.

Are you making the most of your outside space?

Stepping outside of the classroom door carries an abundance of opportunities to enhance pupil learning and development, says Mark Hardy of the Association of Play Industries.

Many schools need to re-align their understanding back to the basic principle of a school trip – to bring a sense of experience and enjoyment to learning. Gill Harvey of the School Travel Forum explores the benefits of cross-curricular learnings in an outdoor setting.

The theatre can enhance educational learning, open up opportunities and improve a pupil’s involvement in creative subjects, says The National Theatre’s Alice King-Farlow.

Get Set for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association outline their youth engagement programme Get Set.

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