Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the main barriers for schools in developing wider learning outside the classroom programmes.

All schools can choose to include teaching which takes place beyond the school’s premises into their curriculum. The Government does not prescribe to schools how they should teach; instead, it provides them with the freedom to design their own curriculum activities which best support the needs of their pupils.

When activities are structured and organised effectively, they can provide young people with stimulating experiences which build on the knowledge and understanding they gain through lessons. Learning outside the classroom can also help to build pupils’ character and interpersonal skills.

Ofsted’s report ‘Learning outside the classroom: How far should you go?’ (2008) reported on barriers to schools’ provision of such activities. The barriers included concerns about health and safety, financial costs, concerns about pupils’ behaviour, and staff workload. The report outlines successful strategies and approaches adopted by schools to overcome such barriers.