Outdoor Classrooms

There are so many! Firstly, when students get outside, it’s 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. 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. Additionally, 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 for children in urban communities where this may be less accessible. They lead to better social-emotional outcomes and enhance long-term health. 

Planning permission requirements for outdoor eco 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.

Since all of our outdoor classrooms are bespoke, the cost varies depending on factors such as size, cladding options, and specifications.

Please request a copy of our pricing guide to see example project prices. This is a great starting point for project feasibility.

We can also provide a bespoke quote, which can also be used for funding applications or grant proposals. Please get in touch with our education building experts who will be happy to support.

Yes - many schools use grants and funding to make outdoor classrooms a reality. Funding options include local authority grants, government education grants, forest school funding, and community or charitable schemes.

At Cabins for Schools, we’ve partnered with FundEd, a specialist funding service that helps schools identify and apply for grants for school buildings and outdoor learning spaces. 

We also maintain a dedicated Funding for Schools page, where we regularly post the latest funding opportunities, tips for applying, and practical advice to make the process easier. Whether you’re exploring small grants or larger government schemes, our team can provide tailored support to maximise your chances of securing funding for your new outdoor classroom.

For modular classrooms, we most commonly use a post and beam system. This is quick to install, causes minimal disruption to the ground, and works well on slightly uneven sites. It is suitable for grass, earth or tarmac.

We also offer a screwpile system, which may be preferable on a sloping site or where the building will be used for heavier activities.

In either case, we require the area to be clear of trees and shrubs before we arrive. 

If you are providing your own concrete base, it needs to be built to the correct dimensions, level across its full surface and solid enough to prevent any movement. (We send detailed guidance on this and ask you to share photos before installation day so we can confirm everything is ready.)

No, you will not need a crane. Our buildings are constructed on site by our own installation teams, and the process is designed to be as quick and unobtrusive as possible.

For outdoor classroom buildings, the main installation typically takes between 3-5 days depending on the size of the building. The base, vinyl flooring and painting are each done on separate visits either side of the main build.

From the point of order through to your classroom build being ready to use, the typical lead time is 8-12 weeks. This can vary depending on our installation schedule and whether planning is required, but we will always give you a realistic timescale upfront.

For most areas, yes! We have installed buildings in hundreds of schools across the UK, and our interactive schools map shows completed installations by location.

Many of our customers are happy to welcome prospective schools for a visit, and we can often help facilitate an introduction.

We also have a permanent showroom in Nottingham where you can see a full-size modular classroom and sensory room, fitted out and ready to walk around. It gives you a much clearer sense of the space, the quality and the finish than any photograph can. We would love to show you around!

Yes. Our buildings are built for schools, and that is reflected in the materials and construction throughout. Whether you opt for Marley board, Knotwood, cedar or redwood cladding, all of our external finishes are robust and chosen for their durability in a school environment. The interiors are lined and finished to a standard that holds up to everyday school life.