Following a meeting with Jonathan Evans MP he tabled the following question on behalf of the School Travel Forum.
Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge scheme; and if he will make a statement.
Nick Gibb (Schools Minister): The Government support educational activities outside the classroom. We have simplified health and safety requirements covering activities that take place on or off school premises, including school trips, so that it is easier for schools to engage their pupils in activities outside the classroom. The Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge Scheme, which is managed by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, is an award which recognises the quality of provision as well as effective risk management. The Department has made no recent assessment of the effectiveness of the Council's Quality Badge Scheme.
The STF welcomes that the Minister has reiterated the need to simplify health and safety requirements so that it is easier for pupils to undertake outdoor learning. However, it is disappointing that the Minister is not able to comment on the effectiveness of the Quality Badge in promoting safe and high quality outdoor education.
We will continue to highlight the benefits of the STF and Quality Badge in providing schools with the confidence that they are accessing reputable and recommended outdoor learning opportunities and recommend the Government work to raise awareness of organisations like the STF and the Quality Badge amongst schools.