Our Outdoor Education Programmes
Specialised for the curriculum
Each of our dedicated programmes is tailored to the curriculum, either subject-specific or for personal and social development.
Nell Bank Programmes
We offer groups a range of DAY VISIT and RESIDENTIAL programmes for you to choose from when organising your visit. A trip to Nell Bank not only increases children’s subject knowledge, it also helps develop their communication skills, provides time for social and emotional growth and builds on work done in the classroom.
To help you choose which programmes are best for you, we’ve organised them into the categories below.
Early Years & Foundation Stage (age 3 -5 yr olds)
Key Stage 1
(5-7 yr olds)
Key Stage 2
(7-10 year olds)
Bespoke
Programmes
Secondary Schools
Special Schools
(All our programmes can be adapted to suit your group's needs)
HE & FE
Day Visit Programmes
Outdoor Explorers Day *NEW
EYFS
This programme provides opportunities for EYFS children to interact, play and explore nature in our safe and stimulating environment.
The carefully planned activities will meet many of the EYFS Curriculum Outcomes, in particular, ‘Understanding the World’, ‘Personal, Social and Emotional Development’ ‘Physical Development’ and ‘Expressive Arts and Design’.
We have developed our resources to encourage children to be curious and to allow them to find out about the world around them through play whilst building their confidence, self-esteem, trust and understanding of risk.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
EYFS | KS1
We’re going on a bear hunt… We’re going to catch a big one… What a beautiful day (hopefully)… We’re not scared! Join us on an exciting retelling of Michael Rosen’s famous ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ with our own unique twist! The bear hunt is an action-packed day that encourages children to work collaboratively and think creatively whilst experiencing a real adventure in the outdoors. Topping it all off with mini-beasting, pond dipping, and plenty of playtime whatever the weather, this is a day the children won’t soon forget.
The Gruffalo
EYFS | KS1
A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood… Are you willing to find the Gruffalo? Like the famous book, children gear up and go on an expedition in search of the Gruffalo. Along the way they’ll meet Snake by the lake, Owl by the stream, and Fox by the rocks, as well as learning all about how they avoid the Gruffalo when it passes by. Along the way we spend time searching for the ingredients to make Gruffalo crumble to ensure our expedition doesn’t go hungry, giving everyone the energy to enjoy a little playtime at our journey's end.
Tidy
EYFS | KS1
Can we be too tidy? What happens if we don’t look after the environment? How can we help? With help from the lovely book ‘Tidy’ by Emily Gravett, our tutors introduce pupils to how they can be environmentally responsible. They’ll get to know Pete the Badger; where he lives, what he likes to eat, and why he doesn’t need to be so tidy.
On top of this, children will go mini-beasting, learn about recycling through games; and help create a home for Pete with his own front door, all whilst exploring the beautiful Nell Bank site. Hopefully the children will take home a passion for looking after the environment.
Room on the Broom
KS1
Witches aren’t just for Halloween. We take children through another story by renowned author, Julia Donaldson, all about a growing band of friends on a rhyming adventure. Our tutors will help inspire and guide pupils to immerse themselves in the text, ensure the witch knows we’re friendly by making our own brooms and explore the site for story characters using a special map; all whilst working together to scare away the dragon! What will your pupils put in the cauldron to remind them of this special day?
Owl Babies
KS1
The Owl Babies is a much-loved story by Martin Waddell and this day is dedicated to its retelling in a fun and interactive manner! Whether children are looking for Mother Owl, Sarah, Percy, and Bill hiding near their nest or learning how adaptations help animals thrive in their natural habitats, children are sure to have an experience they won’t soon forget. And what day would be complete without some dedicated playtime!
Senses and Adaptations
KS1
Everyone loves to get to grips with nature, and we’ve found one of the best ways to do that is through the five senses! With the help of themed puppets, children are led through four natural environments and sense-based activities (we’ll leave you to explore taste from the safety of the classroom!). Each zone is dedicated to one sense and demonstrates how various British birds and mammals have adapted to use that sense, allowing pupils to explore the wide variety of habitats nestled throughout Nell Bank. They’ll learn first-hand how animals use their senses to find food, water and shelter to survive in the wild, and the habitats that home them.
Stanley's Stick
LKS2
Stanley’s stick is not just a stick. With a stick in hand, Stanley’s options are endless. John Hegley’s book provides a springboard for pupils to spend an exciting morning in the Bluebell woods with plenty of activities that will fire up their imaginations and creativity. Children will enjoy the benefits of being outside, go mini-beasting, walk our habitat trail, and can even explore our new under 8s area! This is a day dedicated to playing and working together as a class, all in Nell Bank’s picturesque surroundings.
Early Peoples
KS2
Join us on a journey from the present day where pupils not only learn about the early ages of human history throughout the British Isles; but also the tools our ancestors used to survive. Themed around the Stone Age, we can easily adapt our content to cover advances made during the Bronze and Iron Ages to help pupils explore the sometimes confusing concept of time. Snuggled in our roundhouse, we take classes through a day in the life experience of a typical Stone Age boy; with hands-on experience cave painting, fire lighting, and much more. This day is sure to get children’s imaginations running wild; the perfect spark for the start of a topic or to consolidate learning, making them all the more excited to learn about our past.
Habitats
KS2
The magic of the outdoors is something every child should experience. We’re dedicated to helping children discover its wonders and what better way to do that than through exploring different habitats around Nell Bank. Through careful discovery and observation alongside our tutors, pupils learn all about various woodland denizens and the places they inhabit. Pond dipping and mini-beasting are the order of the day, alongside a walk through our dedicated habitat trail, all designed to give children the freedom to explore nature with minimal adult help. We even take them on a stroll through the beautiful bluebell woods to see how habitats naturally form. This day ties neatly into classroom learning and understanding, encourages teamwork and gives pupils a great outdoor experience!
River Studies
KS2
Water is a powerful force of nature. Through this half-day programme, pupils gain first-hand experience discovering the process of the water cycle, as well as how rivers move and change the local landscape. We take pupils on a walk down to the River Wharfe, observing evidence of erosion, deposition, and how humans have tried to manage the force of water. All this geography is mixed in with engaging activities to help children get excited for further learning.
This programme takes most of the day and is ideally suited to being linked with our orienteering, habitats, or team building programmes.
Myths and Maths
KS2
Legend has it that the giant Rombald lived on Ilkley Moor! This giant-themed day has a plethora of activities all revolving around the giant myths and legends of the Wharfe Valley. With a real focus on speaking, listening, and drama, pupils are taken through local stories on a journey where they’ll make discoveries about our local legends, before moving on to mathematical and art-based games in the afternoon. Useful books that can help prepare for the day include: Trust Me, Jack’s Beanstalk Stinks by Eric Braun, Giants by Mij Kelly and Nick Maland, and Rombald the Giant of Ilkley Moor by Anita Simic.
Linking Schools
KS2
Nothing is more important for us here at Nell Bank than giving children a memorable and positive experience. We’ve been working with The Linking Network for over a decade to deliver activities dedicated to creating a positive social atmosphere that enable children and staff from two schools to meet. Each activity is designed to encourage the development of social skills, have fun, and hopefully build lasting friendships regardless of each pupil’s walk of life.
Team Building
UKS2 upwards | Adults | Community Groups
It’s important for children to develop and reinforce essential life skills, especially those relating to sociability and teamwork. That’s why we’ve spent years working with countless schools to help make a day that does just that! Each activity is designed to encourage children to communicate, discuss, and cooperate to overcome a series of challenging activities. Our tutors will help each group recognize their strengths then plan, do, and review their tasks, all whilst reflecting positively on their efforts. So whether it's crossing the Nellbanian Mountains, or rescuing a flock of helpless ducks, children will come away with those all-important key skills.
Problem Solving
Lower KS2 upwards
Problem solving is something each of us do daily and it’s important that children learn the social and emotional tools required to overcome them. Pupils are taught the four key pillars of effective problem solving: teamwork, planning, perseverance, and reflection. They’re encouraged to apply these skills to a series of exciting and engaging activities that build on these four pillars. Children will leave this day with new friendships, positive in their own ability to tackle problems with the help of their peers.
Residential Programmes
Residential Programmes
We have a dedicated dormitory facility for up to two different classes with a modern kitchen and dining room. So what better way to get to know your class and consolidate learning than by staying for one or two nights of fun-filled residential activities, all led by members of the Nell Bank team. We provide a wide variety of seasonal programmes for KS1 or KS2 that’ll make any residential one to remember!
Short Break Weekends
KS1 | KS2 | Families with Special Needs | Community Groups
We don’t just accommodate schools. Our accessible Aiming High lodge has all the facilities needed for a weekend away for families with children with additional needs.
Our friendly staff will be on hand to welcome you on arrival, helping to deliver a programme of exciting activities for the following day, perfectly suited to everyone’s needs. We’re dedicated to making everyone’s time with us as inclusive as possible, providing accessible fun for all the family.
Special Schools
Special Schools and Community Groups
We pride ourselves on being able to cater to the needs of all children, regardless of age or ability. Each of our standard programmes can be adjusted into a bespoke programme ideally suited for your group. Our staff will be happy to discuss any specific necessities, big or small, prior to your visit and adapt your programme accordingly so everyone can enjoy their day out.
Higher and Further Education
Initial Teacher Training & Introduction to Outdoor Learning
We’re passionate about outdoor learning at Nell Bank and our tutors are enthusiastic to share that with visiting and trainee teachers. Our staff can provide you with an experience of our curriculum based programmes and residential visits, helping you make the connections between formal learning environments and what happens outside the classroom, with plenty of fun along the way. Days can be tailored to specific Key Stages and include specific subjects, such as Forest School, allowing you to focus your learning where it’s most important.
Adults
Team Building
Adults
Everyone needs time away from the office, and Nell Bank is the ideal place to develop and bond as a team. We offer a half or full day of team building activities, including challenges and games designed to get the whole team working together – though there’s nothing too physically demanding. Settled in one of our warm indoor spaces, we concentrate on the core principles of teamwork to get everyone involved, encourage everybody to share ideas, reflect, and have fun.
Get in touch for more information, or to discuss your requirements and desired outcomes.
Practical Away Days
Adults
We’re always happy to accept practical help in maintaining and improving our grounds and facilities. There’s always a project underway, be it path maintenance, habitat management, or building new activity areas. Based from one of our comfortable indoor spaces, you and your team can stretch your legs away from the office and have fun making a lasting contribution to outdoor learning experiences and the well-being of the thousands of children who visit us each year.
