Scotland to press ahead with outdoor learning law after funding secured

The Scottish Government has agreed to provide funding to advance a new bill that would guarantee all pupils a residential outdoor education experience. 

The Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill, originally introduced by Liz Smith MSP, would require that every pupil in a state or grant-aided school be offered at least five days and four nights of outdoor residential learning at some point during school career.  

Recently the bill’s progress was in doubt, as ministers expressed concerns over affordability. However, with new commitment of resources, it is cleared to move to Stage 2 in the Scottish Parliament.  

What would the Bill do? 

• Local authorities and grant-aided schools would be legally obliged to provide one residential outdoor course per pupil 

• Scottish Ministers must allocate sufficient funding to meet that duty 

• The outdoor experience must include at least four overnight stays and five days  

• Participation is voluntary  

• Guidance will be developed to set standards on what counts as residential outdoor education to ensure safety standards and pupil needs are met 

You can read more about the Bill here.

*Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website