The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) tells us why meaningful learning away from the extends traditional lessons, homework, and tests.
Learning outside the classroom is a powerful way to make education more meaningful, memorable, and relevant. It helps children connect what they learn in school and the world around them. And research shows that it makes a real difference.
It could be exploring the school grounds, visiting local places like parks, shops, or places of worship, or going further afield to museums, theatres, adventure centres, or residential trips. Sometimes, it takes place in school – through visiting experts, performances, or interactive experiences. Here’s how your child will benefit…
- Stronger academic outcomes: Children learn better when they can see, touch, and experience what they’re being taught; it helps learning ‘stick’.
- Personal growth: Being outside the classroom builds confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and resilience.
- Better mental health and wellbeing: Time spent outdoors or in new environments reduces stress, encourages physical activity, and boosts happiness.
- A sense of belonging: Exploring the local area and taking part in shared experiences helps children feel more connected to their school and community.
- Increased motivation and enthusiasm: It brings learning to life and sparks curiosity that carries back into the classroom.
The CLOtC is a national charity working to make sure all children and young people have the chance to benefit from life-changing learning experiences beyond the classroom. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a theatre visit, or an interactive workshop at school, it helps to ensure that these experiences are safe, inclusive, and meaningful.
It also supports organisations that provide educational experiences – such as museums, farms, theatre groups, and adventure cinemas – to make sure their offering is both safe and meets learning needs. That’s where the LOtC Quality Badge comes in; the only national award that checks the quality of both educational value and risk management. It’s recognised by Westminster’s Department for Education as a benchmark of quality that both schools and parents can trust. Some schools are embracing the initiatives at different paces, and you can encourage your child’s school to be part of the conversation! The CLOtC National Conference 2025 – held at Royal Armouries on 12th November – is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to discover how learning outside the classroom is evolving, how it connects with communities, and how it can be made more impactful for every child.
There are plenty of LOtC Quality Badge holders in and around our area, be sure to check out one of these when planning your next family day out or suggest one to your child’s school…
Lineham Farm | Eccup
It offers Leeds primary schools an opportunity to visit for a residential stay and explore the 120 acres of beautiful countryside. The educational facility has everything needed to provide seven- to 11-year-olds with fun, adventure, and learning.
Leedschildrenscharity.org.uk
Carnegie Great Outdoors | Headingley
This initiative supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom, and movement and promoting a sense of wellbeing as well as opportunities to develop skills and self-confidence.
Leedsbeckett.ac.uk/carnegie-great-outdoors
Royal Armouries | City Centre
The Royal Armouries provides unique learning experiences that are designed to support the national curriculum through interactive storytelling and object handling to bring the museum to life in a fun and engaging way.
Royalarmouries.org.uk
Encourage your child’s school to check out Leeds City Council’s parks and countryside education programme which provides education in the outdoor classroom for thousands of school children and out-of-school clubs every year. It provides sessions themed around all aspects of the local environment, focusing on nature, wildlife, and history – including guided tours and interactive workshops themed around the animal collections available at Tropical World, Temple Newsam, and the Wildlife World at Lotherton.
Find out more at Lotc.org.uk and Leeds.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-and-countryside-education-programme
