The RSPB has been awarded the LOtC Quality Badge for 16 of their sites across the UK. This achievement highlights the great strides the organisation is making to ensure their educational programmes provide both a safe and high-quality learning experience. The map below shows the locations of the 16 sites that now hold the LOtC Quality Badge.
Being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge means a provider has been thoroughly assessed, both in terms of their learning offer and risk management. This gives schools and educational settings peace of mind when organising educational visits, that the learning outside the classroom (LOtC) experience is both safe and supports their curriculum and learning objectives. The award is also endorsed by English and Welsh governments and the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel.
Aiming high
The RSPB education programme provides curriculum linked, science and geography sessions for pupils of all ages on 16 sites across England, Wales and Scotland. RSPB Learning Officers, based on the reserves, are specialists in their field and are able to engage all abilities with practical, first hand experiences and activities during a selection of half day or full day programmes. Pupils can investigate and explore a variety of habitats, learning new skills using technical vocabulary and equipment bringing wildlife, nature, and habitats to life.
Post visit, follow on activities are available to schools through RSPBs FREE Wild Challenge Award which provides schools with more opportunities to learn in, through and about nature in their school grounds.
Katie Harris, the RSPBs Education Development Officer and former head teacher describes their journey with the accreditation process:
“The LOtC quality badge has supported the development of the RSPB’s education offer by outlining industry standards and expectations through Quality Indicators thereby ensuring that all our reserves provide high quality learning experiences, which are safe, and linked to the science and geography curriculum for each country. Schools can be reassured that RSPB provide supporting documentation to help plan their visit such as risk assessments and session plans giving teachers the confidence that all their pupils will thrive, learn and enjoy.”
Support from us
Have you considered the LOtC Quality Badge for your own organisation? Find out more about the benefits of the scheme and apply, here. To find your nearest LOtC Quality Badge holder on our searchable map, click here.
