Learning outside the classroom manifesto

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is delighted to support the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, launched by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on 28 November 2006.

The Manifesto is a ‘movement’ or joint undertaking that many different stakeholders have helped to create and to which anyone can sign up. We have endorsed the Manifesto because we believe it will help to ensure that all children and young people have a variety of high quality experiences outside the classroom environment, as an essential part of their learning and development.

The benefits that 'outside the classroom experiences' bring to learning are well known to everyone involved in them and who could ask for a better place to study than the special landscape of the outdoor classroom that is the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

In support of the Manifesto therefore we are looking forward to continuing and developing our work with education groups from all backgrounds and providers across the National Park. Providing access to the information and guidance needed to help as many people as possible take part in high quality education experiences that are both safe and enjoyable will be our top priority.

Together with other organisations who are supporting the Manifesto we will aim to:

• Provide all young people with a wide range of experiences outside the classroom, including extended school activities and one or more residential visits

• Make a strong case for learning outside the classroom, so there is widespread appreciation of the unique contribution these experiences make to young people’s lives.

• Offer learning experiences of agreed high quality.

• Improve training and professional development opportunities for schools and the wider workforce.

• Better enable schools, local authorities and other key organisations to manage visits safely and efficiently.

• Provide easy access to information, knowledge, expertise, guidance and resources.

• Identify ways of engaging parents, carers and the wider community in learning outside the classroom.

To download a copy of the manifesto or report, or find out more, visit the Department for Education website using the links below:

• Department for Education - Learning outside the classroom manifesto

• Department for Education - Learning outside the classroom report