MP calls for a Government review into value of outdoor education on children’s wellbeing

This week, local MP Tim Farron put forward an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill calling for a review of the effectiveness and value of outdoor education for young people. 

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Tim said: “Will the Minister look at my new clause 30, which calls on the Government to review the effectiveness and value of outdoor education and learning for young people in both primary and secondary schools? 

“We have a mental ill health pandemic in this country and are trying to put that right.

“Will she acknowledge that building young people’s resilience through outdoor education is good not just for dealing with that, but for building young people’s ability to rely on others and themselves? 

“That helps them in situations in which they are not comfortable, and when they go back to the classroom, they are more willing to learn.

“Does she see this as a moment in which to invest in outdoor education, in every part of the country?”

His push aligns with a recent Ofsted report into science that recommended that all pupils have enough opportunities to take part in high-quality practical work, including fieldwork. 

Additionally, an academy chain that used a Generation Green 2 DEFRA-funded fieldwork residential reported ‘improved student access to exam questions, resilience and confidence to apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations’. 

In response, Education Minister Catherine McKinnell acknowledged the importance of outdoor education.  

She said: “The honourable gentleman is incredibly committed to that cause - understandably so, as he comes from a part of the country that boasts incredible outdoor scenery, and activities that many of us, I am sure, have taken part in. 

“He is right to want that for all our children.  

“It forms part of the changes that we are introducing today, which will unlock opportunity for all children up and down the country.  We want to create a floor, but no ceiling, for what schools can offer, and to enable healthy competition and innovation.

“It will give them the freedom and ability to deliver the enrichment programme for which he so rightly advocates.”