Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education whether any recent assessment has been made of the potential impact on pupils’ wellbeing of introducing an entitlement to an outdoor residential experience for every child during their time at school.
Minister of Education: My Department has not commissioned any research or undertaken any assessment of the potential impact on pupils’ wellbeing of introducing an entitlement to an outdoor residential experience for every child during their time at school.
However, I am aware of a number of independent reports and studies that highlight the benefits of outdoor learning for children and young people. These include publications by Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University and the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Research and Information Service. These studies have identified a range of positive outcomes associated with outdoor learning experiences, including increases in pupil confidence, wellbeing. language development, improved pupil behaviour, increased attention and listening, opportunities to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills and many other improved aspects of child development and learning.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has also published guidance for working with children in pre-school and at Foundation Stage which recognises that being physically active, spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can affect emotions and allow for relaxation, calmness and a heightened sense of wellbeing.
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