Outdoor Education for Schools
Contract with schools to deliver Forest School + outdoor sessions
Contract with schools to deliver Forest School + outdoor sessions.
Day-to-day work involves planning outdoor education sessions, engaging with children and teachers, and managing logistics for each school contract. You'll need to ensure safety protocols are adhered to and that sessions are interactive and educational. Also, maintaining communication with schools to gather feedback and make adjustments to the curriculum will be essential.
Now is a pivotal time for outdoor education as schools seek innovative ways to engage students post-pandemic. With a focus on mental health and well-being, outdoor learning is becoming a priority. The rise in environmental awareness among parents and educators further supports the demand for nature-based education.
Ideally, the founder should have a passion for outdoor education and a background in teaching or childcare. Committing around 15-20 hours a week to build relationships with schools and develop a curriculum will be necessary. Networking with local education authorities and participating in community events can help establish credibility and attract clients.
In the first 12-24 months, you could see revenue between £15,000-£50,000 depending on the number of contracts secured. As your reputation grows, you can expand offerings and increase pricing. The market for outdoor education is expected to grow, providing significant opportunities for profitability.
- Teaching
- Outdoors
£200–£500 per day per class
Gross margins can be around 60-70%, depending on the scale of operations and overheads.
With the increased focus on children's mental health and outdoor learning, schools are actively seeking providers for Forest School and outdoor education sessions. The government is also supportive of initiatives that promote well-being and learning outside the classroom.
Primary and secondary schools looking to enhance their curriculum with outdoor education. They typically have designated budgets for enrichment programmes and are increasingly open to partnerships with external providers.
The UK outdoor education market is growing, with an estimated value of £1 billion. Approximately 30% of schools now incorporate outdoor learning into their curriculum, driven by the need for holistic education approaches post-COVID.
Revenue & pricing
Revenue is generated through daily contracts with schools, typically ranging from £200 to £500 per day per class. Additional income can come from after-school clubs or summer camps.
- Half-day session (3 hours): £200
- Full-day session (6 hours): £400
- Weekly programme for a class (5 days): £1,800
- Specialised workshops (e.g., nature crafts): £300 per session
Costs
- Forest School Level 3 training1000
- Insurance cover (public liability)300
- Equipment (tools, first aid kits)400
- Marketing materials (flyers, website)200
- Transport (for equipment and travel)100
- Insurance renewal25
- Marketing (ads, promotions)50
- Equipment maintenance30
- Software subscriptions (accounting)15
First steps
- 1Get Forest School L3
- 2Pitch schools
- 3Build curriculum
Your first 90 days
- Complete Forest School Level 3 training.
- Draft a curriculum outline for outdoor sessions.
- Create a marketing flyer outlining services.
- Identify and approach local schools for partnerships.
- Set up social media profiles to promote the business.
- Secure at least three contracts with local schools.
- Deliver pilot sessions to gather feedback.
- Establish an online booking system for schools.
- Network with local educators at community events.
- Review and refine the curriculum based on feedback.
How to get customers
Local schools outreach
Directly contact school administrators and offer free trial sessions.
Social media
Use Facebook and Instagram to showcase sessions and engage with parents.
Community events
Host free workshops at local festivals to raise awareness.
Word of mouth
Encourage satisfied schools to recommend services to others.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tide (business banking) | Free | Simplifies financial management with no monthly fees. |
| Xero (accounting software) | £10/month | Easy invoicing and expense tracking. |
| Calendly (booking system) | Free | Helps manage scheduling with schools. |
| Notion (project management) | Free | Organises curriculum development and session planning. |
| Google Workspace | £5/month | Efficient email and document management. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating the time required for planning and preparation.
- Neglecting to establish clear communication with schools.
- Failing to market services effectively to reach target customers.
- Not adhering to safety regulations and guidelines.
- Overlooking the importance of gathering and acting on feedback.
How to scale this
- 1Start by offering sessions to local primary schools.
- 2Expand to secondary schools and community groups as demand grows.
- 3Introduce additional programmes such as weekend workshops or holiday camps.
- 4Consider hiring additional instructors to increase capacity and reach.
Risks & mitigations
Inconsistent demand from schools
Diversify offerings to cater to different age groups and needs.
Accidents or injuries during sessions
Ensure comprehensive insurance and rigorous safety protocols.
Competition from established providers
Differentiate services by offering unique, tailored programmes.
Regulatory changes affecting outdoor education
Stay informed about policy changes and adapt services accordingly.
UK legal & compliance
- Register as a self-employed business with HMRC for tax purposes.
- Obtain public liability insurance to protect against claims.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations for outdoor activities.
- Follow GDPR guidelines for handling personal data from schools and parents.
FAQ
What qualifications do you need?
A Forest School Level 3 qualification is essential to lead sessions.
How do you ensure safety during sessions?
We conduct risk assessments and maintain safety equipment.
Can you provide sessions for different age groups?
Yes, we tailor our programmes to suit various age ranges.
What equipment is required?
Basic outdoor tools and first aid kits are provided.
How can schools book sessions?
Schools can book via our website or contact us directly through email.
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