School trips 'not optional extra'

Trips improved pupils' achievement, Ofsted inspectors said

Pupils must not be denied school trips because teachers fear being sued if things go wrong, says the government.

The government's new �4.5m Out and About scheme gives schools in England clearer advice on safe outings.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said children should not be wrapped up in cotton wool.

The initiative comes as the schools watchdog, Ofsted, reports that outings boost achievement but that many schools do not see trips as a priority.

England's Ofsted inspectors said trips enhanced learning and motivated pupils.

The watchdog visited 27 schools and found activities such as trips to museums, visits to historical landmarks in foreign countries, after-hours sports and music clubs all increased pupils' involvement, enjoyment and achievement.

It is time that the fear of compensation culture is consigned to history once and for all Schools Secretary Ed Balls

Even conducting a science class in the school field had a positive impact, they found.

"Where young people experience memorable events in their education, they don't just remember the emotion and excitement of the event itself but the learning that went with it," the report said.

Chief inspector Christine Gilbert said: "The positive impact of learning outside the classroom is widely recognised, but unfortunately it is sometimes seen as an extra or a treat, rather than as an integral part of the curriculum.

"Many schools will find the examples highlighted in the report extremely useful."

Vivid memories

The government's Out and About scheme aims to give schools in England much clearer information to help organise effective learning outside the classroom.

The package, which has received �4.5m funding, will indentify organisations that provide high quality and safe outings for schools.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said it was wrong to wrap children in cotton wool as they grew up.

"Trips and getting out of the classroom should be part and parcel of school life and always give the most vivid childhood memories," said Mr Balls.

"Learning outside the classroom is not some optional extra. It should excite young people, deepen their understanding of classroom subjects and are a vital to make young people independent, confident and self-reliant.

"The vast majority of England's eight million children go safely on school trips or learn outside the classroom at some stage. But we know that more can be done to make sure it is an integral part of every child's education.

"It is time that the fear of compensation culture is consigned to history once and for all."

Union support

The NASUWT union said it supported the plans.

"The perception of the classroom as the only space for learning needs to be challenged and we are excited to see there is such a positive direction of travel on this agenda as part of the Children's Plan," said general secretary Chris Keates.

The National Union of Head Teachers gave its "full endorsement" to the programme.

"With all learning outside the classroom activities, we will need to be confident that all health and safety aspects are secure but non-bureaucratic," said general secretary Mick Brookes.

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