Question reference: S5W-29949
- Asked by: Stuart McMillan, MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 15 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 1 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how outdoor centres, including those operated by Scouts Scotland, will be used by schools when classes resume in August 2020.
Answer
There is potential for outdoor settings to be utilised more often as schools reopen. The outdoors provides greater space for education to be delivered if physical distancing remains in place. Visits to outdoor centres can also positively impact the physical and mental health and wellbeing of young people following a period of lockdown.
In light of this, Scottish Government officials have held discussions with a number of organisations within the outdoor learning sector and this includes organisations that run outdoor education centres. Those discussions have covered the potential for outdoor education centres to be used to help schools deliver learning at a safe physical distance and for visits to centres to be used as a mechanism to improve the health and wellbeing of learners. We continue to engage with the sector and this includes facilitating discussions between representatives of outdoor education centres and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland.
Ultimately decisions in relation to visits to centres rest with schools and should be considered in line with local priorities and circumstances.