Article: School visits Article Body Off-site visits and outdoor learning make a valuable contribution to the education and development of children and young people. They help them learn new skills, give them new responsibilities and provide personal, social and educational experiences that are not available in the classroom. Outdoor learning gives young people the experience of an outdoor environment within controlled and supervised conditions. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 - places a duty on the authority to ensure that safety measures are in place for young people participating in off-site visits and outdoor learning. As well as developing their social and communication skills through shared experiences, adventure and problem solving, learning out-of-doors also increases young people's awareness and appreciation of risk, safety and personal responsibility. Learning outside the classroom forms an important part of the educational entitlement of all young people. The government's Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) reports that learning outside the classroom makes a clear contribution to the learning and development of young people. "When planned and implemented well, learning outside the classroom contributed significantly to raising standards and improving pupils' personal, social and emotional development." Learning Outside the Classroom: How far should you go? - Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) (2008) Barnsley schools, youth groups and children's settings provide a wide range of stimulating, educationally valuable and worthwhile off-site visits for young people each year. This is supported by advice, guidance, training, monitoring and opportunities provided by the local authority. The educational visits co-ordinator at your child's school, youth centre or other children's setting should be able to give you more information about activities that have been arranged for young people attending their establishment, their purpose and the criteria for taking part. Useful links The Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme is a government sponsored scheme that was introduced in 1996 under the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations. The scheme ensures that those who provide certain adventure activities for young people under the age of 18 years, will have their safety management systems inspected. Where appropriate, a licence is then issued. How to contact us Outdoor Education Adviser Directorate for Children, Young People and Families Postal address: PO Box 634, Barnsley S70 9GG Telephone: 01226 773586 Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5pm Email: outdoorlearning@barnsley.gov.uk