Frequently asked questions
If you’re thinking of getting involved in Outdoor Classroom Day but have a few questions, our frequently asked questions might help. Whether you’re a teacher, parent or potential partner, there is something in there for you.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can. You can also share your questions and ideas on social media using #OutdoorClassroomDay.
REGISTRATION
How do I register?
Go to the Get involved page and scroll down to ‘Join us’!
Can I change my details after I have submitted them?
Register again (using the same school or organisation name) and we will update them for you. Or you can email us to tell us what needs to be changed: ukandireland@outdoorclassroomday.com
How do I register multiple classes?
Just register your school once and make sure that the total number of children includes all the classes that are taking part.
The registration function on the website isn’t working, what shall I do?
It should be… please email us and let us know: ukandireland@outdoorclassroomday.com
Can nurseries and kindergartens sign up?
Yes please! Nurseries have a lot to celebrate on the day as they do some of the best work supporting outdoor learning and play. Sign up and register your nursery today!
GENERAL
Can you send me more information please?
There are lots of great resources on the website so have a look around and see if there is anything you find inspiring. You can also check out Outdoor Classroom Day on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – and on our Facebook group.
I have contacted you previously but have had no response, can you update me please?
Sorry, hopefully that is because we have been inundated with schools signing up! We will get back to you as soon as possible. If you haven’t heard from us within a week send us an email: ukandireland@outdoorclassroomday.com
Can I hold an event on Outdoor Classroom Day if I am not a teacher?
Yes! Whatever your age, spend some time outdoors on the day. Share your experiences on social media using #OutdoorClassroomDay!
If you are a nursery, kindergarten, after-school group, play organisation or youth group, or even a university, sign up and add a note about who you are in the ‘What are your plans for the day?’ box.
If you are a parent of school-aged children, use this letter to ask their school to sign up and see if they would like you to help out on the day. Why not take your children outside after school on the day as well? You can Sign up as a Parent for additional information and inspiration.
If you work for an organisation that believes in the power of outdoor learning and play, there are lots of ways you can show your support. Whether you have five minutes or a few hours, our supporter pack has lots of ideas to get you started. Sign up to tell us about your plans. If you have any other ideas of how you could support the Outdoor Classroom Day movement, please contact the global team on: info@outdoorclassroomday.com.
Do you have anything specific to early years?
Many nursery and preschools sign up for Outdoor Classroom Day. As nursery schools really lead the way in taking their children outside, most of the resources on this website are focused on slightly older children. Some of the activities on the resource page are also useful for early years, we particularly like those in Explore Outside the Classroom and we think some early years pupils will too.
In my country we have school holidays on Outdoor Classroom Day, how can we get involved?
If your school is on holiday on the day please still register and just go outdoors on a day that suits you. The more schools that register, the better the case we can make to policy makers and school leaders that outdoor play and learning should be part of every school day.
I would like to take part but I don’t think my country is on your list?
We currently run flagship campaigns in a number of countries – for a full list see the country drop-down in the top right corner of the website. If your country isn’t on the list, or hasn’t got its own designated website yet, then simply sign up on the global website.
MEDIA
I work in media – can you send me a press pack please?
Please contact us and we will send you some information: ukandireland@outdoorclassroomday.com
CORPORATES AND ORGANISATIONS
How can corporates get involved?
Could you help boost social media posts? Put up posters in your workplace? Help us print posters and books from the Outdoor library to give to schools in your local area? Lots of organisations get involved in the day by spreading the word to their customer base and providing offers for schools that are taking part. Our supporter pack has lots of ideas to get you started – sign up to share your own ideas and let us know what you can offer.
Unilever’s funding of Outdoor Classroom Day came to an end in December 2020 after 5 terrific years of partnership and we are now looking for new partners to grow and scale the movement for 2021 and onwards. If you are interested in supporting our mission to make time outdoors part of every child’s day please contact the global team: info@outdoorclassroomday.com.
We would like to offer our outdoor space for schools to visit, can we do this?
Brilliant, please contact the UK and Ireland team on: ukandireland@outdoorclassroomday.com and let us know all about it so we can promote it to schools signed up.
We would like to offer a discount on our services to schools on the day can I do this?
Great, please contact the UK and Ireland team on: ukandireland@outdoorclassroomday.com and let us know all about it so we can promote it to schools signed up.
How can we encourage the schools we work with to take part?
You can use our suporter pack to let teachers and schools know about the movement and ask them to sign up. Let them know about the day and feel free to share the great resources on this website with them. Remember that lots of schools do fantastic work supporting outdoor play and learning, so encourage them to celebrate what they do well and maybe even do a bit more on Outdoor Classroom Day.
PARENTS
I am a parent and want to influence my child’s school to get involved, can you help?
Yes! If you are a parent of school-aged children, use this letter to ask their school to sign up and see if they would like you to help out on the day. Why not take your children outside after school on the day as well? You can sign up as a parent for additional information and inspiration.
Play for today, prepared for tomorrow!
Share your days on social media using #OutdoorClassroomDay:
Twitter: @OutdoorClassUKI
Facebook: /outdoorclassroomdayUKandIRL
Instagram: @OutdoorClassroomDay
Do be aware that you get involved at your own risk! Be prepared to be amazed…