The impact of outdoor learning and playtime at school – and beyond

Project Dirt asked teachers who have taken part in Outdoor Classroom Day about the impact of taking children outdoors.

The results are encouraging as they show that there is a fast-growing number of schools worldwide that recognise how important outdoor learning and play is for children, teachers and whole schools, as well as parents and the wider community.

Key findings include:

• 68% of teachers want more time for children to play outdoors.
• 87% of teachers want more time to take lessons outside.
• One fifth (22%) of teachers told us that they have increased playtime since taking part in the campaign, and two fifths (44%) have increased time for outdoor lessons.
• 97% of teachers worldwide believe that outdoor playtime throughout the school day is critical for children to reach their full potential.
• 65% of primary schools globally get less than one hour of playtime (recess) a day and 12% get less than 30 minutes.
• 88% of teachers globally said that children are happier after playing outdoors, and 89% said the same when they learn outdoors.
• 79% of teachers globally said that the weather stops children playing outdoors.
• 1 in 7 of respondents worldwide said that nothing prevents children from playing outdoors.