Cabins For Schools – Log Cabins and Outdoor Classrooms FAQ

What is an outdoor classroom?

An outdoor classroom is an additional building detached from the main school build. This means you have the freedom to choose where it’s placed on your school grounds. At Cabins For Schools, we have a range of outdoor classrooms and log cabins to suit the needs of your school. Outdoor classrooms are gaining popularity as an effective and cost-efficient way to supplement the learning space available at schools. Log cabins, modern outdoor classrooms or other wooden structures are becoming more common due to the unique learning environment they provide. Schools have found these spaces to be perfect for school libraries, reading nooks, nature learning, and SEND, making them attractive choices for today’s growing educational institutions.

Do you need planning permission for an outdoor classroom?

Planning permission requirements for outdoor classrooms vary depending on the size, location, and specific regulations in your area. It’s essential to consult your local planning authority to determine whether planning permission is needed for your project. In some cases, outdoor classrooms may fall under permitted development rights, which do not require planning permission.

How do you set up an outdoor classroom?

Setting up an outdoor classroom couldn’t be easier with Cabins For Schools. From design to installation, our team of experts have your school covered.

We are proud of being able to offer a design and build system for facilities for use in education. When you order your new school room, we will arrange a convenient delivery and installation schedule, with an affordable quote tailored to your needs. The cost of delivery and fitting depends on the size of your building, where you live, transportation distance and how many people you need to set up your school building. Many of the smaller buildings, 14m & 17m Arctic Cabins, are installed in 1-2 days.

What makes a great outdoor classroom?

This depends on how your school intends to use your outdoor classroom or log cabin. We can design and fit great classrooms to suit the needs of your school. Whether you want a spacious cabin which accommodates a class of 30 or a smaller cabin perfect for smaller group work, our team of experts will work with you to create a fantastic educational space. Some schools create cosy reading nooks with beanbags and blankets, while other schools create music rooms and kit them out with drumkits and keyboards. You can check out some further popular uses here

Here are some general tips for creating a great outdoor classroom:

Comfortable seating and work surfaces for students and teachers
Weather-resistant, durable materials to withstand outdoor conditions
Shade structures or canopy to protect from sun and rain
Storage solutions for educational materials and supplies
Accessibility features to ensure all students can participate
Nature-inspired elements, such as plants, gardens, or water features, to enhance the learning environment
Interactive elements, like whiteboards or chalkboards, for group activities

What are the benefits of learning in an outdoor classroom?

There are so many! When students get outside, it is known to enhance their critical social and emotional learning skills, such as empathy. Also, it has been shown to enhance self-control, having care for others, and independent, self-directed learning. Moreover, time spent in nature helps to develop problem-solving abilities, focus, attention span, and executive function skills. It can bring abstract theories to life and emphasises learning by doing. Importantly, nature-led learning has been shown to result in higher academic achievement, as well as contributing to improved social skills.

Children are more active outdoors, and outdoor play reduces sedentary time, improving health outcomes. Step outside and get fresh air! Not just for the health benefit, but fresh air is great for attention levels too. Outdoor learning supports mental, physical, nutritional, and emotional health across all age groups and educational needs. Furthermore, nature-based outdoor environments can reduce stress and increase relaxation.

Green school grounds provide a connection to nature and areas for children in urban communities where these may be less accessible. They lead to better social-emotional outcomes and enhance long-term health.

What can you put in an outdoor learning space?

An outdoor learning space should incorporate elements that encourage exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. Consider including the following features:

Natural elements, such as trees, plants, gardens, or water features
Sensory elements, like sand or water play areas, to stimulate tactile experiences
Seating and work surfaces for individual or group activities
Play and exercise equipment that encourages physical activity and motor skill development
Creative and artistic elements, such as a stage or outdoor musical instruments
Wildlife habitats, like birdhouses or insect hotels, to promote ecological learning
Signage and informational displays related to the surrounding environment or specific learning themes