Editorial 3
An end to the cotton wool culture?
Ed Balls has signalled his intent to end the “cotton wool” culture of school trips and learning
outside the classroom. The newly launched Quality Badge Scheme is a key part of this; School
Visits looks at its recent launch and how it will work.
T
he Learning Outside the Classroom (LoTC) manifesto vision confidence in the Quality Badge scheme’. Such confidence may be
is that ‘every young person should experience the world warranted if the scheme flourishes and encourages both users and
beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and providers to embrace LOTC.
personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances’. Where visitors look at providers/venues that are previously
A key factor in achieving this aim is through the recent launch unknown to them, the scheme can act as instant recognition,
of the Quality Badge Scheme. Expectations are that it will help meaning group leaders are less wary about the unproven and are led
cut some of the red tape and will provide a guarantee to schools away from the cycle-fatigue of regular, year-after-year trips. This is
that an organisation/venue is capable and suitable to offer likely to have a positive effect on those organisers who may struggle
LoTC experiences. The Quality Badge is on offer to any venue or to convey enthusiasm for an excursion they have run on a dozen
organisation that provides this for occasions before. Concerns that
‘children and young people aged
‘Local authorities, other employers, the
a new school trip might not be
0-19’.
education workforce and parents will be
the right fit should be erased as
Users: a mark of confidence
the scheme promises consistency
able to recognise and have confidence in
through the assessment of each
On the surface the benefits of
the Quality Badge scheme’ provider.
the Quality Badge Scheme for
users are clear; where issues such Benefits for providers
as suitability, relevance and safety are concerned, the assurance of What do providers stand to gain from the scheme? Besides a
a safe, appropriate environment is an appealing one and would, marketing opportunity (for which success is unlikely to be instantly
in theory, remove many of the obstacles facing trip organisers. The measurable), there are uncertainties that the rewards will be
council of LoTC states that ‘Local authorities, other employers, the sufficient to convince providers to put both time and money into
education workforce and parents will be able to recognise and have participating in the scheme. With thousands of venues competing
School Visits and Outside Learning is published by Rapport Learning Ltd, 1 Crumplin’s Business Court,
Odiham, Hampshire, RG29 1DU Tel: 01256 704288 Fax: 01256 703477 email: info@rapportlearning.com
©2009 Rapport Learning. Design by Roger Thomas. Printed by Stephens & George Ltd
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16