Other staff reviews

" The series of 'Teach on the Beach' books is a truly  inspirational resource, filled with outstanding outdoor learning ideas  for so many different subjects.  Whilst they are designed on the beach,  most activities are very easily transferable to any outdoor setting with  very few adaptations - I tend to use them on the school field and  playground.  Using these activities in any outdoor context brings such  excitement to pupils and really reinforces the skills and concepts they  are learning - as well as being great fun in the process!  They have  captivated even the hardest-to-reach pupils and are also a wonderful way  of developing teamwork skills. Sometimes,  the biggest barrier to outdoor learning is thinking of suitable  activities that enhance learning - as well as how to resource and  deliver them safely. This series of books really is the answer:  everything is so clear and so well laid out, always providing  well-thought-out, safe and enjoyable activities of the highest quality!   I would recommend them to any school or teacher, regardless of  confidence or experience.  The benefits of outdoor learning are well  documented, but using Taff's ideas and plans really does bring the  'wow!' factor to any class!"

Ian Wood, Year 5/6 Teacher, Kirk Ella Primary School 

 Teach Outside the Classroom: Using the School Grounds by Taff Bowles is a highly practical guide that makes outdoor learning feel both achievable and worthwhile. The book clearly stresses the importance of learning beyond the classroom, highlighting its impact on engagement, wellbeing, teamwork and deeper understanding. What sets this book apart is its strong focus on practicality. Rather than simply promoting outdoor learning in theory, it provides a wide range of low-cost, easy-to-prepare activities that can be delivered using everyday resources and familiar school spaces. This makes it particularly valuable for schools with limited budgets or staff who may feel less confident teaching outdoors. The ideas are clearly explained, adaptable and firmly linked to the curriculum, ensuring that outdoor learning is purposeful and impactful rather than an add-on. From a teacher’s perspective, it is reassuring to see how simple approaches can lead to high levels of pupil engagement, collaboration and enjoyment. Overall, this is an accessible and empowering resource that shows outdoor learning does not need to be complicated or expensive to have a powerful impact on pupils

Wayne Tatton, Headteacher South Cave Primary School

I have known and benefited from Taff’s humble wisdom, reassurance and enthusiasm for promoting outdoor education for many years. At a time when we all want to inspire children to put down their devices, explore the great outdoors and spark their imagination, this set of books is a ‘gift’ for busy teachers, senior leaders and families alike. Packed with realistic, achievable ideas that support the delivery of curriculum objectives, quick and easy to understand aided by visual images and cheap to implement, they will have you inspired and ready to go in no time!

Helen Calpin, Headteacher, Snaith Primary School

A Truly Exceptional Outdoor Learning Series – An Essential Resource for Every School. This illustrated three book series is, quite simply, an inspiring and practical resource available for teachers looking to elevate their outdoor learning provision. Whether you’re completely new to teaching outside the classroom or already passionate about using the outdoors as a learning environment, these handbooks offer a treasure trove of ideas that are accessible, engaging, and impressively versatile. Across the series, hundreds of curriculum linked activities are presented in a clear, practical format that makes planning outdoor learning not only manageable, but genuinely exciting. Although primarily geared towards Key Stage 2, the activities can be effortlessly adapted for pupils of all ages, making this a truly flexible toolkit for any school. These handbooks champion all the well known benefits of outdoor learning—improved engagement, motivation, teamwork, wellbeing, curiosity, and a deeper connection with the natural world—but they go further by showing teachers exactly how to achieve these outcomes. Clear safety guidance and planning tips make the books both inspirational and highly usable. This series is perfect for schools committed to offering meaningful outdoor and experiential learning. With its blend of creativity, practicality, and educational rigour, it has the power to transform outdoor learning from occasional sessions into a vibrant and integral part of the curriculum. Excellent value for money.

Clare Johnson, Outdoor Education Adviser, School Improvement Service, East Riding of Yorkshire Council

"The COLA training was an ideal way to reinforce not only some of the skills they had seen the children develop during Forest School sessions but also show us a lot more outdoor activities across many different subject areas. Taff brought a wealth of resources with him and set up lots of different activities for us to have a go at which were great fun and also made us think about how we could adapt them for our children and for different ages. He challenged our thinking about outdoor learning and why we do it and what the children gain from outdoor learning. He looked at what our school grounds had to offer and used this for some of the activities to show what could easily be done in our context. He brought the curriculum to life for us in meaningful ways in different subjects which would certainly engage the children. After the training, he e mailed lots of information that could be used for future outdoor learning across different key stages. It was a great day and very worthwhile"

Carole Shiels, Headteacher, Hornsea Burton and Skipsea Primary Schools

'Sledmere and Wetwang Federation undertook COLA Training very ably led by Taff Bowles. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about ways to incorporate outdoor learning across all age ranges. The course was hands-on from the off. All staff were fully involved, challenged and lots of learning took place. This course is a must for any school who are looking for engaging training, led by a vastly experienced practitioner. Fun and valuable CPD guaranteed.'

Peter Richardson, Headteacher, Sledmere and Wetwang Primary Schools

"I have always valued Taff's total professionalism and expertise.  In all aspects of outdoor learning, educational visits, safety and the managing of risks, Taff is the number one man to go to.  Taff is also a realist, he understands schools and the pressures on them.  He understands that it is within all our roles to ensure that outdoor learning actually occurs under managed risk assessment, not to prevent it happening.  Taff is a facilitator and a true celebrant of outdoor learning and the immense impact it has on children's learning"

Michael Loncaster, Head Teacher, Molescroft Primary School