Archived decisions

Headings

Description of what is wanted

Name:

The Outdoor Education Unit

School Branch, Education Department

Purpose

· The health and safety of young people in schools, youth groups and voluntary groups when taking part in educational visits, off-site and adventurous activities

· Providing and advice, guidance and approval service, based on best and safe practice

· Developing opportunities in the field of outdoor and environmental education

· Improving the quality of the provision

· Providing a comprehensive training and support programme

· Manage the Education Department's emergency procedures in this area.

Proposed improvements

· To continue the process of maintaining and improving current services

· To continue to develop the role of a lead agency in this area of work, in partnership with others

· To continue to develop the quality and role of the training provision and training team

Progress in implementing the Improvement Plan

The unit has:

· Been identified as a good practice LEA system by the DfES. Very active in the 2002 review. Invited to join the national training team to lead the training of other LEAs.

· County Inspector voted as Chair of the Outdoor Education Adviser Panel for two years. Direct liaison with all major agencies.

· Successfully re-inspected and re-licensed by Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.

· Formulated both formal and informal corporate working, in particular with the Recreation and Heritage Department. The development of the County Council `Outdoor Service'. Contributions to the joint publication `Out There'.

· The appointment of a Trailblazer Manager to secure the major curriculum and corporate strategy project to do with outdoor and environmental education.

· Continued as lead agent and Management Group Chair for the Activities for Young People, NOF project. This involves approximately 500 young people and active partnership across many agencies.

· Offered over 100 training courses, in particular focussed on good practice leader training.

· Initiated the new educational visit coordinator training to be offered to every school and youth group area.

· Completed the major review of the County Council's principal document of regulation and guidance, Offsite activities and educational visits, 2003.

· New monitoring proposals initiated in response to the DfES - HSE requirements set out in `Responsibilities and Powers'.

· Initiated the. new Education Department serious incident emergency planning arrangements.

Plans for Future implementation

· Initiate and complete a round of Headteacher and Governor briefings on the new regulations and guidance.

· Plan and resource the education visit coordinator training programme. Involve the maximum number of establishments.

· Continue to promote and develop the Outdoor Service

· Introduce new schools to the Trailblazer project according to an agreed action plan. Look to promote Youth Service pilot projects.

· Take full advantage of the good practice guidance drawn from the Activities for Young People Project to promote successful practice.

Conclusion

· The unit has been recognised by the DfES and AALA as being at the forefront of good practice.

· The unit has successfully addressed and developed the Best Value Action Plan.

· The establishment of the Trailblazer Project and its Manager have been completed, with an action plan for development.

· The involvement with the DfES review of their documentation was successfully linked to the review of our own documentation and support systems.

Contact for further information

Steve Poynton on 01962 846547