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Outdoor Education
11 June 2025
Lead MP
Tim Farron
Westmorland and Lonsdale
LD
Responding Minister
Catherine McKinnell
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Word Count: 4901
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Tim Farron raised concerns about outdoor education in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Farron calls for the government to ringfence education funding for outdoor education at early stages and ensure children have access to natural environments. He also suggests cross-party working across devolved nations like Northern Ireland which has invested £4 million in enhancing high-quality outdoor learning experiences.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Tim Farron highlights the importance of outdoor education centres in his constituency such as Bendrigg Trust, Brathay, Outward Bound Trust, Patterdale Outdoor Education Centre, and several university and local authority-owned centres. He mentions that research from the University of Cumbria demonstrates significant benefits for young people including confidence building, character development, risk awareness, and engagement with nature.
Andy MacNae
Lab
Rossendale and Darwen
MacNae agrees with the value of outdoor education within the curriculum and suggests that Ofsted should encourage greater use of the outdoors, potentially making outstanding schools a requirement for providing access to outdoor learning.
South Devon
Integrating outdoor education in the curriculum is crucial to inspire the next generation to appreciate nature and promote recovery.
Newcastle Central
Stated that the Nature Education Park is adaptable to school needs, ensuring all children have access to enrichment activities. Emphasized the importance of teacher training and pupil premium funding for equal access.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
The Duke of Edinburgh’s award and Briars Field forest school provide vital outdoor education, particularly for young children with special educational needs.
Winchester
Engagement with farms and agriculture through residential weekends can inspire the next generation of agricultural students and conservationists.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon commends Tim Farron for his debate and highlights Northern Ireland's outdoor learning project which has invested £4 million in enhancing high-quality outdoor learning experiences.
Maya Ellis
Lab
Ribble Valley
Ellis agrees that if we want young people to grow up with the benefits of outdoor education and an appreciation for nature, ringfenced education funding is essential at early stages. She mentions Viki Mason's forest school practitioner work in her constituency which faces funding struggles.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Brickell commends Tim Farron for securing the debate and mentions the Supreme Court judgment upholding the right to wild camp on Dartmoor. He argues that the Government must urgently introduce primary legislation to expand the right to roam on land and water across England.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Adam suggests an exchange programme between rural and urban schools to help children in urban areas without gardens to enjoy outdoor experiences and benefit from them. Asked about considerations for children with sensitivity issues and special educational needs in the programme.
Tom Collins
Lab
Worcester
Collaborative outdoor projects have shown transformative impacts, especially for those with special educational needs.
Will Stone
Lab
Swindon North
Stone thanks Mike Harrison of Green Trees Forest School for his work on tackling knife crime through outdoor education and emphasizes the societal benefits beyond just educational outcomes.
Government Response
Catherine McKinnell
The Minister for School Standards
Government Response
Acknowledges the importance of outdoor education and access to nature for children's development. Commits to ensuring a rich and broad curriculum that breaks down barriers to opportunity, supporting resilience and skill-building in young people.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.