Our Udeskole Approach
Bringing learning into the great outdoors, giving children opportunities to explore, develop new skills and grow in confidence.
What is Udeskole?
Udeskole is inspired by a Danish concept meaning ‘outdoor school’. Rooted in Scandinavia’s appreciation of outdoor life, it brings education into natural environments, making the outdoors an important part of how children learn.
At Kids Planet, we’ve developed our own approach that goes beyond traditional outdoor play. Children are encouraged to observe, investigate and learn through purposeful experiences, developing a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our Udeskole Programme
We’ve taken our passion for outdoor learning a step further by developing our own Nature-based Approach, helping nurseries make meaningful outdoor education part of their everyday practice.
Created by our Head of Outdoor Learning, Rhiannon Mountain, the approach follows a five-module framework designed to support educators in creating purposeful outdoor learning experiences and building a community, together with families, who value the power of nature for children’s development.
Many of our nurseries are already following the approach, while others are actively working towards it. Wherever they are in their Udeskole journey, each outdoor environment is unique with a shared goal of bringing children back to nature.
Nature is our classroom
The natural world offers endless opportunities for discovery. Whether children are investigating local wildlife, exploring different textures or navigating uneven ground, every experience encourages them to use their senses, ask questions and develop new skills.
Our Udeskole approach makes the most of these everyday opportunities, allowing children to learn through observation, exploration and hands-on experiences.
Children just want that time. They want that time to just be, to observe and to embrace a slower pace.
What children gain from Udeskole
Confidence & Independence
New experiences encourage children to explore, take on challenges and discover what they're capable of.
Curiosity & Discovery
Hands-on exploration encourages children to investigate, ask questions and develop problem-solving skills.
Communication & Connection
Shared outdoor experiences help children exchange ideas, collaborate and build friendships.
Less equipment, more imagination
One of the principles behind our Udeskole approach is that meaningful learning doesn’t require elaborate equipment. Nature itself provides opportunities for children to create, investigate and discover.
Using the materials and spaces around them, children are encouraged to think creatively, work together and develop their own ideas. Whether they’re building with branches, exploring natural materials or tackling a new physical challenge, the possibilities are shaped by their imagination.
Why Udeskole matters
Physical & Sensory Development
Balancing, climbing and exploring different textures help children develop coordination, physical confidence and sensory awareness.
Learning Through Discovery
Investigating the natural world encourages curiosity, hands-on learning and problem-solving as children turn their discoveries into new ideas.
Communication & Social Skills
Shared outdoor experiences encourage children to exchange ideas, work together and build friendships.
See Udeskole in action
Discover how outdoor learning forms part of nursery life and find a Kids Planet nursery near you.