Conference programme
09:30 Welcome and Introduction - Matthew Knapp, Centre Manager and Simon Knight, Deputy Centre Manager, Outdoor learning centres, Devon County Council
09:45 Enriching and extending the curriculum by taking learning beyond the classroom - Dr Anne Hunt, CEO, Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
This opening session will set the scene for the day, showing how embedding learning beyond or outside the classroom ( LOtC ) into school policy and practice is well-evidenced to help schools fulfil both national and local expectations and deliver better outcomes for all. Themes covered in the presentation will include:
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- The opportunities to take learning beyond the classroom
- What the evidence says about the benefits and the barriers
- How LOtC supports delivery of the Department for Education’s recently published ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving.’
- Narrow to Broad: expanding the curriculum and delivering enrichment.
- Sidelined to Included: removing barriers to participation.
- Withdrawn to Engaging: building belonging, motivation, wellbeing, and attendance.
- How LOtC supports delivery of Devon’s Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision
- Tips to help you develop and embed LOtC at your school
- Why it matters/building senior leader support
- Where to find help
11:00 Michael Turnham, Aspire Outdoors Lead
Mike’s talk will centre on the good work that Aspire Outdoors do and the impact this has on pupils. Mike will discuss the need to support all pupils through and in outdoor education.
He will discuss what outdoor education is and looks like in primary schools and outdoor education establishments and how it can be used to support and enhance curriculums and outcomes.
Finally, Mike will discuss how we can use our local environments and schools grounds to make create small wins at low cost as money and funding are some of the biggest inhibitors.
11:40 Move to workshop 1
11:45 Workshop 1:
- From ideas to impact outdoors
- From Classroom to National Park, exploring how National Parks can support your outdoor learning experience
- Using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to bring the classroom outdoors
- Restoring and recording nature with National Trust
12:45 Lunch, networking and exhibition
13:30 Workshop 2:
- From ideas to impact outdoors
- From Classroom to National Park, exploring how National Parks can support your outdoor learning experience
- Engaging primary students with nature through digital technologies
- Restoring and recording nature with National Trust
14:35 Move to final keynote session
14:45 Inclusive outdoor learning: Supporting students with SEN in nature-based education - Tom Moores, Chief activity instructor, Calvert Trust, Devon
This practical and inspiring workshop explores how outdoor learning can be made accessible and enriching for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Led by the expert team from Calvert Trust Devon—specialists in inclusive outdoor education—the session will offer realistic strategies for adapting everyday outdoor environments to meet a wide range of accessibility needs.
Whether you're working in mainstream education, special schools, or alternative provision, this session will help you confidently plan and deliver outdoor learning that supports emotional wellbeing, sensory engagement, and curriculum-linked outcomes for all learners.
Key areas covered include:
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- Understanding common barriers and how to overcome them
- Adapting outdoor activities for physical, sensory, and cognitive needs
- Using nature to support emotional regulation and engagement
- Managing risk while maintaining challenge and independence
- Real-life examples from Calvert Trust’s inclusive practice
Delegates will leave with practical ideas, planning tools, and renewed confidence to make outdoor learning a regular and inclusive part of their educational offer.
15:45 Close of conference - a continued chance for networking and discussion with the exhibition
Sessions and timings are subject to change
