Concern over the future of outdoor education centres

 NNOL is deeply concerned by the possible loss of a significant number of our outdoor education centres.

Our letter to Mr Swinney highlighting our concerns is attached here.

There is a pivotal decision required by the Scottish Government which will determine the opportunities for future generations of learners in Scotland, by protecting the future of our outdoor education centres. This is an opportunity for our government to maintain its aspiration to be the best place in the world to grow up.

As NNOL we are calling for three actions:

• -        Reconsider a funding package for outdoor education centres, focussed on protecting the valuable buildings and facilities used for residential outdoor education.
• -        The Education Recovery Group and Association of Directors Education Services encourage the learning opportunities offered by local greenspace and day visits to outdoor centres, by utilising the skill of outdoor centre staff, working alongside schoolteachers.
• -        Establish a working group tasked to undertake an outdoor education estate capacity and capability study. This would be a collaboration between local government, third sector and private sector, based on a model already used for the Early Years capacity planning. 

We would ask that you join us in  bringing pressure to bear on the politicians and policymakers of Scotland:

• Write your own letter to Mr Swinney on the subject. 
• Write to your MSP on the subject.
• Write to your local Director of Education
• Raise awareness with your networks, particularly online.

SAPOE have recently published work looking at the value of and future of outdoor education centres in Scotland - please do read and share.

We are collaborating with SAPOE, AHOEC and SOC to plan more co-ordinated work, and hope to send you an update next week.