BuitenWijzer was founded by Reinate Bruins Slot because she is convinced that it is good for children to spend plenty of time outdoors. She developed this conviction partly through work visits and training courses in England. To encourage schools to provide more outdoor education, BuitenWijzer awards a certificate to schools that can demonstrate that they regularly provide outdoor lessons.
There are 2 different certificates:
1. For schools that provide an outdoor lesson every day in combination with active learning.
2. For schools that provide an outdoor lesson every day in combination with active learning and spend one half-day per week outdoors in a natural and green environment (a green schoolyard, nature reserve, or park).
Schools that want to get started receive a checklist from BuitenWijzer first to assess where they stand. This is followed by a discussion and, after a check to determine whether the requirements have been met, the certificate is awarded. The school must complete an evaluation form annually. BuitenWijzer visits once every two years to check whether the school may retain the certificate.