Following a meeting with the STF Simon Hart MP asked the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to promote the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.
Nick Gibb (Minister of State (Schools) responded:
In the Government's response to the recommendations of the Children, Schools and Families Committee on Learning Outside the Classroom, published in October 2010, we made clear our support for education outside the classroom. The Government also set out their view that the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and its member organisations should work directly with schools and education providers. We do not intend to provide additional resources, Government regulation, monitoring or guidance for the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and the Quality Badge scheme.
The STF consider that it is disappointing that the Minister has reiterated the Government’s position not to provide further resources to the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and the Quality Badge scheme. Our view is that the well-documented evidence supporting LOtC activities, including school trips, represents a huge opportunity for the UK's school children. We will continue to actively support such activities.