Promoting outdoor learning, inclusion, wellbeing and environmental awareness in early childhood education
LIFENAT Project
Little Footsteps IN NATure
Lifenat project
LIFENAT – Little Footsteps IN NATure is a European Erasmus+ small-scale partnership project (KA210-SCH) aimed at enhancing early childhood education through outdoor learning, inclusion and sustainability.
The project brings together partners from Malta and Portugal to develop practical tools, training programmes and innovative methodologies that support educators in integrating nature-based learning into daily teaching practices.
By promoting experiential learning in natural environments, LIFENAT seeks to improve children’s wellbeing, foster environmental awareness and ensure that outdoor education is accessible and adaptable to all learners, regardless of their background or abilities.
The project in brief
To promote outdoor learning, inclusion, well-being and environmental awareness for educators and children aged 2 to 9
Why LIFENAT
From the classroom to nature
LIFENAT promotes nature-based learning experiences that help young children explore, interact and develop key skills beyond the traditional classroom environment.
Inclusive teaching
The project supports educators with practical approaches and adaptable methods to design outdoor activities that are inclusive, engaging and suitable for different learning needs.
Wellbeing and sustainability
Through outdoor education, LIFENAT encourages children’s wellbeing, strengthens environmental awareness and fosters a positive and lasting connection with nature.
Project Partners
Meet the organisations working together to promote outdoor learning, inclusion and wellbeing through the LIFENAT project.
Malta
MACTT Educational Group Ltd
MACTT Educational Group Ltd is a Malta-based higher education institution specialised in adult and teacher training, digital learning, educational innovation and project dissemination. Within LIFENAT, it acts as the coordinating organisation, supporting project management, communication and outreach.
Portugal
Agrupamento de Escolas D. Dinis
Agrupamento de Escolas D. Dinis is a public school cluster based in Leiria, Portugal, providing inclusive education across pre-school, primary and middle school levels. Within LIFENAT, it contributes its experience in outdoor learning, environmental education and school-based practice.
Malta
St. Edward’s College
St. Edward’s College is an independent school based in Malta, offering a holistic educational approach that supports academic, personal and social development across all stages of learning. Within LIFENAT, it contributes its expertise in early childhood education and the testing of innovative outdoor learning practices.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
STEP BY STEP
Management and coordination
Description: Coordination of the partnership, planning of project tasks, monitoring of progress, and overall administrative and financial management.
Status: In progress
Action: Download material
Description: Initial partner meeting to confirm roles, timelines, working methods, and shared objectives for the implementation of the project.
Status: Completed
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Description: Mid-term partner meeting to review progress, discuss findings, address challenges and coordinate the next implementation phase.
Status: Upcoming
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Description: Final coordination meeting to review results, assess project outcomes and support closure, sustainability and follow-up actions.
Status: Upcoming
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Analysis and design
Analysis and design
Description: Collection and analysis of needs, challenges and existing good practices to support the design of the project’s training and toolkit resources.
Status: In progress
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Description: Consultation activities in Malta aimed at gathering input from educators and stakeholders on outdoor learning, inclusion and early years education.
Status: In progress
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Description: Consultation activities in Portugal to collect perspectives, needs and practical insights for the development of project outputs.
Status: In progress
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Description: Development of a structured training programme for early-years educators focused on outdoor learning, inclusion, wellbeing and sustainability.
Status: Upcoming
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Description: Creation of a practical toolkit of adaptable outdoor activities to support educators in early childhood settings.
Status: Upcoming
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Analysis and design
Pilot and dissemination
Description: Testing and evaluation of the training programme with educators in order to assess relevance, usability and impact.
Status: Upcoming
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Description: Trial implementation of selected toolkit activities in Malta to evaluate their effectiveness, inclusiveness and practical application.
Status: Upcoming
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Description: Trial implementation of selected toolkit activities in Portugal to gather feedback and support the refinement of the final toolkit.
Status: Upcoming
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Description: Ongoing communication activities to share project progress, promote results and engage educators, schools, families and wider stakeholders.
Status: In progress
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Results and resources
Explore the main project results and access the resources developed to support outdoor learning, inclusion and early childhood education.
