Learn :: Outlet

Learn

Education isn’t something that happens in a classroom in isolation from the outside world. Nature is an incredible teacher and one that children and young people of today need more than ever.

Our qualified, compassionate, and inclusive staff know how to guide the young people who learn with OutLET so they can get the most out of their experience.

Specialising in working with children whose needs are not being met in mainstream education, we give the overstretched schools the support they require by focusing on the social and emotional well-being of children and young people outdoors.

"Derek enjoyed the experiences in the forest. It was exactly what he was needing and offered to him at the right time in his development. He is an outdoor child who is always taking risks, and the risks with Forest School were challenging and controlled. Meeting other children and working in small groups has helped him too with sharing, co-operating, and negotiating.”

Deputy Head Teacher, North Lanarkshire

Support Available For Schools

SOARing Outdoors

Before children and young people can learn in school, we NEED to focus on their social and emotional needs. Nature is an incredible teacher and one that children and young people of today need more than ever.

Our qualified, compassionate, and inclusive staff know how to guide and support the young people we work with at OutLET so they can get the most out of their experience.

SOARing Outdoors provides opportunities for young people to begin to reintegrate with peers and supporting adults. It reintroduces young people to learning in a way that interests and excites them, setting achievable goals which will support them to succeed, and focusing on building strong relationships.

Our unique approach is effective in engaging young people who have been impacted by trauma.

Many young people in these situations are stuck in ‘fight or flight mode' also described as the ‘reptile brain’ and are struggling within the traditional education system because they are not emotionally and psychologically in the right place to learn.

By creating and nurturing the sensory-rich environment, we aid the children and young people in receiving the sensory input that they need to help them regulate and get to a calm state where they can begin to look at forming and building relationships.

SOARing Outdoors provides an opportunity to learn these essential skills and build relationships outside of the classroom, helping the young people increase their confidence in their ability to achieve, and give them an aspirational outlook on their own abilities, which will have a positive impact on every part of their daily lives, including their education.

These programmes are suitable for both primary and secondary schools and are delivered as:

Individual support for one young person, or as
Small group of up to 4 young people, based on the needs of one child or young person.

All programmes take place in woodland space near to the school to reduce any transport costs.

To discuss a programme for your school or establishment - email office@outlet.scot

We know that sometimes, the relationship between the school and the family can break down - this is why, when funding allows, we can offer referral-based SOARing Outdoors programmes for children and young people.

If you feel that this would benefit you or your child, then please contact us at office@outlet.scot - or use the contact form below

We have been working in partnership with OutLET to provide a Forest School delivery for a small number of primary-aged children since early 2020. Given the significant challenges these particular children are facing in linking with learning, and the difficulties they face in trying to re-engage with school, the service provided by OutLET has been critical in supporting their well-being. Their programmes provide a safe outdoor learning experience where they have the opportunity to learn about themselves and their skills and talents, alongside developing their knowledge and understanding of their environment.

Educational Support Team for Care Experienced Young People

School-Based Youth & Community Rangers

The ‘Youth & Community Play Ranger’ has been developed through conversations and feedback from Teachers, Head Teachers, Support Staff, and Cluster Integration Inclusion Leads who reflected that staffing is often the main barrier to utilising outdoor space as an alternative method for engagement.

Our Youth and Community Rangers (YCR) are an important part of the Scottish education system, supporting the delivery of the 'Curriculum for Excellence' across communities and in schools.

Our staff, in the third sector and local authorities, plan and deliver a variety of non-formal, outdoor learning opportunities, which help children and young people develop the skills and attributes they need to thrive. This complements and enhances learning through the formal curriculum, maximising individual potential with appropriate support and challenge.

An OutLET staff member will be based with the school and will work in partnership with school staff to build and develop local capacity, drawing on existing interventions and community programmes to build a stronger local community based on local needs and aspirations.

For some young people, OutLET's work is the key to unlocking learning, overcoming barriers to engagement, and providing a curriculum offer based on the needs of the learner.

We have a limited number of Youth And Community Ranger Programmes available for the 2024/2025 term.

Contacts us via the form below for more information.

It starts with a conversation

Toasting marshmallows over a small fire bowl

Third Sector Bespoke Programmes

Here at OutLET we provide a range of opportunities for children and young people already supported by third sector groups.

We will create play based inclusive outdoor programs for children and young people in need.

Whether it is providing respite to parents or giving young carers a break from the pressures of daily life, we are here to help you help them.

To find out more about our bespoke programs designed for third-sector organisations, please get in touch.

Children toasting marshmallows over a small fire bowl

Train

For teachers, educators and community leaders to upskill in outdoor learning. Includes Forest School accreditation.

Empower

Family play and extra curricular activities.

It all starts with a conversation

To find out more about how we can help you and your children and young people, simply send us a message. We can arrange a no obligation conversation to discuss how we can best meet your needs.

Don’t just take our word for it!

“The benefits and positive outcomes for James from attending Forest School have been phenomenal and the trusting relationships that have been developed with the staff team have been instrumental in not only assisting his recovery but providing a support network”

Jane - Kinship Carer