Outdoor Learning

Out of school activities make a valuable contribution to children and young people's development - they help them learn new skills, give them new responsibilities and present personal, social and educational experiences that are not available in the classroom.

Outdoor learning gives pupils the experience of an outdoor environment within controlled and supervised conditions.  As well as developing pupils' social and communication skills through shared experiences, adventure and problem solving, outdoor activities increase young people's awareness and appreciation of risk, safety and personal responsibility.

Activities can  include:

• abseiling
• archery
• canoeing and kayaking
• climbing
• environmental studies
• orienteering
• problem solving
• raft building. 

The Educational Visits Co-ordinator at your child's school will be able to give you more information about visits that they have arranged, and the criteria for taking part. 

Specialist support is also available from the local authority's Outdoor Education Adviser, who can be contacted at:

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Berneslai Close
Barnsley S70 2HS
Tel: 01226 773586
Fax: 01226 774504
Email: outdoorlearning 

Useful links

The Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme is a Government sponsored scheme, which was introduced in 1996 under the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations. The scheme ensures that those who provide certain adventure activities to young people under the age of 18 years, will have their safety management systems inspected. Where appropriate, a licence is then issued.

Legislation

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 - places a duty on the Authority to ensure that safety measures are in place for all pupils participating in educational school visits.