Whether your organisation is an established LOtC Quality Badge holder, you are currently working through the accreditation process, or you’re considering applying, find out how to make the most of the LOtC Quality Badge to ensure your educational programmes have maximum impact.
The LOtC Quality badge is the only national award assessing both the quality of risk management and educational provision across all types of learning outside the classroom providers: big and small, indoors, and outdoors. It is recognised by the Department of Education and Welsh Government, and therefore by schools as an indication of quality.
The LOtC Quality Badge provides a framework to ensure you are the best you can be. This framework is designed to encourage you to think holistically, helping you identify and improve aspects of learning and safety that will benefit your organisation as a whole. By working through the LOtC Quality Badge Quality Indicators, you can feel confident that your organisation is able to assist users to plan their learning experience effectively. You can access further information and resources to support you via your online portal. Once you have been awarded the LOtC Quality Badge, you will also have access to a media pack to help you communicate to your audiences about the benefits of the award.
“Having the LOtC Quality badge has been great for us as it means schools can visit us confident that they will have a great experience and that all the health and safety measures are covered. It gives them that peace of mind. Going through the accreditation process has helped us to identify how we can we improve our learning programmes to ensure they have the greatest impact.”
Mark Stead, Head of Learning, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
You’ve got to be in it to win it
It was wonderful to see so many LOtC Quality Badge holders as finalists at this year’s School Travel Awards. This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of providers. LOtC Quality Badge holder West Midland Safari Park were crowned Best Wildlife Attraction for a record third time! Having used the facilities and worked closely with the education team during our National Conference, which was held at the Park back in March, we saw first-hand how committed the team are to providing high-quality LOtC experiences.
“Winning the ‘Best Wildlife Attraction’ award again is a testimony to the hard work of the staff in both Education and Wildlife departments demonstrating their commitment to providing school children with a memorable day out.
We are proud to hold the LOtC Quality Badge, which is an indication of the high quality of risk management and educational provision we deliver within our sector. It is also a reassuring award school trip leaders believe in when planning visits for their students.
I would certainly advise any provider who welcome learners to consider attaining the LOtC Quality Badge. There is a fantastic network of support and guidance and ticks all boxes for schools planning a visit. WMSP would not be without the accreditation now.”
Nicola Anslow, Education Manager, West Midland Safari Park
If you think your organisation could be a good fit to host the next CLOtC Conference in 2024, please contact Matilda by emailing marketing@lotc.org.uk.
LOtC Quality Badge Advisor, Andy Taylor, shares his top tips to optimise outcomes for schools
Preparation is key
- Speak to the school ahead of their visit to understand what they are hoping to achieve.
- Focus on key areas of the curriculum and link activities to their learning objectives.
- Ensure your programmes are inclusive and accessible for all learners.
Record and evaluate
- It is vital to evaluate your sessions to ensure they have impact.
- Follow up with the school after their visit, provide activity ideas for lessons to cement their learning and most importantly – ask the school for feedback and act on it.
Build your network
- Share best practice with other LOtC Quality Badge holders to gain advice and different perspectives on how to overcome challenges.
- Build links with local schools to trial new programmes and ask to visit their setting to better understand what teachers need and how you can support learning outcomes.
- For further support and to enhance your team’s understanding of LOtC, book on to our CPD training sessions.
Spread the word
- Be proud of your award and include it in relevant marketing and communications activity.
- We provide support by promoting your organisation via our website and social media channels.
- Keep your details up to date via your online portal to ensure you are listed on our searchable map and on our partners website, Kaddi.
Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear from our LOtC Quality Badge holders about how the award has helped you raise the quality of your educational programmes. Please email marketing@lotc.org.uk.
