New LOtC Mark for schools is launched today
Since the launch of the LOtC Quality Badge in February 2009, 
there have been a great number of enquiries from schools, nurseries and colleges wishing to apply for accreditation. Most educational establishments are not eligible for that particular award; however so many have a strong commitment to providing frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom for their pupils that CLOtC has now developed a national award scheme to recognise this.
The LOtC Mark is intended to recognise existing exemplary provision and to assist and support schools in developing their LOtC offer to enable all children to have access to meaningful LOtC experiences. In order to ensure that the scheme meets the needs of schools, CLOtC has carried out an extensive consultation with primary and secondary mainstream schools, SEN schools and early years settings, as well as with local authority advisers. Results of this research have directly shaped the structure and criteria of the award.
The LOtC Mark will benchmark schools at either Bronze, Silver or Gold level, with guidance and support to help schools to progress through the levels and drive up the quality of their LOtC offering. This was included in the design after many of the schools involved at the research stage expressed a preference for an award that would reward progression. The three levels of award share five basic criteria. These criteria each have more detailed sub-criteria within them, and each level of award builds on the criteria for the previous one. A sixth criterion is added at the Gold level, reflecting the expectation that truly outstanding schools will be actively involved in promoting and supporting LOtC outside their own school population.
The LOtC Mark Criteria:
- The organisation has a stated commitment to providing and developing learning outside the classroom experiences for all pupils
- The organisation plans learning effectively
- The organisation makes good use of all available resources in designing and delivering LOtC
- The organisation effectively monitors and evaluates the impact of LOtC
- The organisation manages risk and the perception of risk effectively
- The organisation is actively engaged in promoting the benefits of LOtC (LOtC Mark (Gold) only)
The LOtC Mark (Bronze) recognises an awareness of the benefits of providing frequent, continuous and progressive LOtC experiences for all pupils and the attempt to integrate LOtC into the life of the school. In order to be considered for the award a school must declare that it meets the Bronze criteria, and complete a full application form based on these criteria giving examples and providing evidence, including case studies and pupil input. 10% of schools who pass the initial assessment will be selected for an assessment visit.
The LOtC Mark (Silver) recognises a strong commitment to providing frequent, continuous and progressive LOtC experiences for all pupils. In order to be considered for the award a school must declare that it meets the Silver criteria, and complete a full application form based on these criteria giving examples and providing evidence, including case studies and pupil input. 10% of schools who pass the initial assessment will be selected for an assessment visit.
The LOtC Mark (Gold) recognises exemplary LOtC provision in schools and indicates that a school is a leader in ensuring that all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom. In order to be considered for the award a school must declare that it meets the Gold criteria. An assessment visit will then be arranged to follow up on the paper application, where a portfolio of evidence will also be provided by the school. This assessment visit will also act as a consultancy service, making recommendations for further improvement of LOtC within the school.
The award will be formally launched in March 2012, should you wish to be informed when applications are open to all, please complete this form: