We’re liking the plans for a go outdoors initiative to be widened across the country.  The visitor hotspot, the Eden Project has already worked with 2,000 students across the south-west  of England over the last 18 months, encouraging schools to educate pupils about the social and physical values of being outdoors. 

And now the tourist attraction is launching a nationwide campaign to make outdoor learning a central pillar of British education. The idea is to try to include more outdoor learning into lesson plans as part of the schools curriculum.

This initiative comes after a Play England study revealed that while 71 per cent of parents played outside their homes when they were children, only 21 per cent of their children did the same. Sadly, on average, today’s child spends just nine per cent of their time outside.

However, some of the reasons why parents do not allow their children such freedom comes down to fear of what might happen to their kids. A major part of the new go outdoors initiative will be to help parents to overcome some of these worries and to give their children a greater opportunity to play outdoors.

A spokesperson is reported as saying: "There are obvious health and social benefits of children playing outdoors but our message is that being outside can also enhance learning."

A representative of a school that has already been involved in the forward-thinking Eden Project said: "Outdoors learning is learning in its most exciting and creative form and the children absolutely love it. We had already made a considerable investment in developing the physical spaces, but needed to move forward with incorporating it into the curriculum so we decided to work with Eden. 

“Teachers have already held maths, science, art, literacy and design technology lessons outdoors.”

What should kids wear while outdoors?

Old clothes will do the job when playing outdoors, although it is a good idea to have a few essential items such as waterproof jackets and trousers and a pair of walking boots or shoes.

Today’s outdoor clothing world offers waterproof jackets for boys and girls and in a wide range of colours and price ranges.

We like:

Regatta Kids Ryd Waterproof jacket waterproof Hydrafort fabric, taped seams, concealed hood, age 7+ In lots of different colours. Job done! £20

Regatta Kids Railroad Softshell Jacket  A warmer water-resistant jacket for chillier days outdoors. This jacket is wind resistant and has a durable water repellent finish. £21 

Regatta Kids Crossland Low Walking Shoes water resistant and breathable shoes to keep your kids’ feet dry and a little less sweaty, whatever the weather! The shoes are comfy and durable, too, so you should be able to pass them on to younger siblings in the future. £24.

 With the summer holidays already started in Scotland, and about to start in England, why not make the most of more free time to get your kids outdoors?