APPG for Outdoor Learning – Access and Equity Report: Action4Youth CEO comments

Trying something unfamiliar, finding the courage to have another go, or discovering a strength you didn’t know you had: these moments can make a lasting difference to a young person. That is why the findings of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Learning’s Access and Equity Report deserve attention.

The report highlights how children facing socioeconomic disadvantage and those with special educational needs and disabilities are disproportionately affected by barriers to participation. Those inequalities become more pronounced for experiences such as residentials.

Benedicta Morrow, CEO at Action4Youth, said: “Outdoor learning is an important part of our work to help young people build confidence, develop relationships and recognise their own possibilities. At The Caldecotte Xperience in Milton Keynes, outdoor experiences also form part of programmes that combine practical challenges with mentoring and personal development.

“The report underlines the need to consider everything that makes participation possible. An affordable activity still needs transport, sufficient staff and the right support for each young person. Families also need confidence that their child’s needs will be understood.

“Schools, youth charities and outdoor learning providers each have a role to play, alongside funders and policymakers. Sustained investment must support both the experiences themselves and the people and practical arrangements that enable access.

“Our ambition should be that every young person has opportunities to explore, develop and belong – with the support they need to participate fully.”

Read the Institute for Outdoor Learning’s summary and access the report >>