New report highlights inequalities in access to outdoor learning
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are more likely to miss out on outdoor learning, according to a new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Learning (APPG-OL).
Published today (19 October), Outdoor Learning: Access and Equity – Participation, Barriers and Opportunities explores who takes part in outdoor learning across England and the barriers that prevent children and young people from joining in
Using national participation data, academic research and a outdoor learning sector survey, the report found that while the benefits of outdoor learning are widely recognised, opportunities are not equally available to every pupil.
The findings show that participation becomes less equal as activities become more costly and complex to organise, particularly residential visits.
Among the main barriers identified were funding, staff shortages, transport costs and the workload of organising visits, while the report also highlights a lack of workforce confidence and capability as affecting provision.
APPG found that the demand for outdoor learning remains strong. The problem is less about whether children and families want these experiences and more about whether schools and providers have the resources to offer them.
Tim Farron MP, Chair of the APPG for Outdoor Learning, said:
“Outdoor learning is vital to the educational, emotional and physical wellbeing of our young people. This report clearly demonstrates that our principal challenge is no longer in demonstrating the value of outdoor learning. The challenge is ensuring that access to its benefits is consistently and equitably realised.
“It is a tragedy that so many children miss out on these experiences. We must work together to bring down the barriers to outdoor learning so that every child can experience the joys of nature, build confidence and capability, and widen their horizons.”
The report highlights programmes including Adventures Away from Home and Generation Green as having successfully widened participation among underrepresented groups. But the report cautions that short-term initiatives alone are unlikely to address the wider inequalities.
The report also examines the government’s proposed Enrichment Framework, including its ‘nature, outdoors and adventure’ strand. The APPG warns that, while it could improve access to outdoor learning, schools will need funding, staffing and practical support to deliver it.
The report concludes that sustained investment and stronger support for schools and providers are needed to improve access to outdoor learning, particularly for pupils who face additional barriers to participate.
Jake Wiid Founder of EVOLVE Advice said
“Whilst we are aware of the barriers the report highlights, this report makes it clear that if a school is not doing any outdoor learning, then everyone in the school is missing out.”
Read the full APPG Outdoor Learning Access and Equity Report here.
EVOLVE Advice’s Funding Finder aims to support schools facing funding challenges.