MP encourages ministers to involve outdoor education in school catch up plans

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, South Lakes MP Tim Farron made the case for outdoor education to be a key part of the Government's plans to help children catch up with their learning this summer.

Tim encouraged ministers to look at a proposal drawn up by Cumbrian charity Brathay about bringing outdoor education professionals to come into schools to re-engage children with learning and support their mental health.

Speaking in Parliament, Tim said: "I've raised with the Prime Minister directly the issue of the Government directly commissioning outdoor education centres, of which there are dozens in Cumbria which are excellent, to make use of their skills and talents to help re-engage young people with a love of learning.

"Would he engage with me and with Brathay, the charity in my constituency that has written the draft proposal to see if we can make that a reality in schools right across the country, not just in Cumbria?"

In response, the Minister for Schools Nick Gibb said: "We share the honourable gentleman's ambitions.

"These outdoor education centres are wonderful places, no more wonderful than in the Lake District where he represents.

"I'd be very happy to discuss these issues with him further."