There are grants and funding schemes that can help schools and early years settings buy the outdoor equipment they need - including from Muddy Faces.
Annual government funding for primary schools in England to improve PE, sport and physical activity for all pupils in Years 1–6.
More info here: PE and sport premium: conditions of grant 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK
Supporting children's physical development and keeping them active outdoors has a wide range of mental and physical health benefits.
We sell a wide range of resources that support children's regular physical activity and play, in the outdoor learning environment. The products in this section will broaden the range of physical activities offered to all pupils outside.
Free grant packages for schools and early years settings in England, Scotland and Wales, funded by players of the People's Postcode Lottery.
We've gathered a wealth of research on the benefits of outdoor play and physical activity for children's development - useful reading if you need evidence to support a funding application or make the case for outdoor learning in your setting.
Research: physical activity outdoors
Research & reports on the mental and physical health benefits of physical activity and exercise outdoors.
Reports & research documents are, as much as possible, arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
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Research: sport & adventure
Research into the benefits of adventure experiences for children and young people.
Research documents are, as much as possible, arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
Read More about Research: sport & adventure
Research, reports: health, wellbeing
Evidence for the benefits to Early Years & Primary children of outdoor play and learning & spending time in nature.
Arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
Read More about Research, reports: health, wellbeing
Growing reports & research
Studies, findings and reports into the effectiveness and benefits of growing and gardening projects for a range of different groups.
Reports & research documents, arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
Read More about Growing reports & research
Learning outside research
Evidence for the benefits to children of learning outdoors, to academic achievement of taking the curriculum outside, and research into other aspects of learning outside the classroom.
Research documents arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
Outdoor play reports & research
Evidence for and reports on the benefits to children of outdoor play.
Reports & research documents are, as much as possible, arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
Research & reports on risk
Balancing & managing risk in play; reports, research, reviews & official statements.
Reports & research documents are, as much as possible, arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
Research: impact of nature
Evidence for the impact on & benefits to children of spending time in and engaging with nature.
Research documents are, as much as possible, arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
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Research: nature connection / deficit
A comprehensive reference section of reports & research into Nature Deficit Disorder and the importance of nature connection for children and young people. Includes opinion pieces and reflections from outdoor practitioners & nature connection experts.
Arranged, as much as possible, in chronological order, most recent at the top.
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Block Play research & case studies
Evidence for and reports on the benefits to children of block play.
Read More about Block Play research & case studies
FS research & reports
Forest School is brilliant outdoor play & learning for Early Years & Primary age children - it develops skills, confidence, well being & nature connection. And here's (some of) the proof!
We've gathered together work by academics & professionals looking into the quantitative and qualitative benefits of Forest School.
The evidence continues to grow & new research continues to be undertaken. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Do contact us if you know of more to add: share@muddyfaces.co.uk
These reports & research are, as much as possible, arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top.
Read More about FS research & reports
Mud reports & research
Evidence for the benefits to children of mud play.
These reports & research are, as much as possible, arranged in chronological order, most recent at the top
