Lotc Badge
LOtC Quality Badge briefing for schools
External learning outside the classroom providers/venues holding this accreditation will be:
- Offering good quality teaching & learning
- Safe (i.e. managing risk effectively)
The Learning Outside the Classroom(LOtC) Quality Badge is the only nationally recognised indicator of good quality educational provision AND effective risk management.
The purpose of the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge is to help schools identify good quality and safe provision, and to reduce red tape when planning educational visits.
It incorporates existing safety standards for all types of activity and combines learning and safety into one easily recognisable accreditation for all organisations providing learning outside the classroom experiences for all Adventurous activity providers Natural environment or field studies centres, Study, sports and cultural tours.
If an organisation is displaying the LOtC Quality Badge, schools can be assured that their venue has met required standards, so teachers do not need to carry out their own risk or quality assessments regarding the activities provided.
In addition, applicants must be offering genuinely beneficial services to schools, to support their delivery of the curriculum. The following are just a few of the services a provider must demonstrate before gaining the LOtC Quality Badge:
Clear and accurate information given well in advance on services, amenities and costs.
There should be no unpleasant surprises on the day!
Full information given on the learning objectives of the activities on offer, and the flexibility to tailor activities according to your needs.
Guidance and information on preparing your pupils for the visit, and following up on it back in the classroom, to help you to make the most of the learning opportunities.
Skilled and enthusiastic educational staff or volunteers who can really bring a topic to life.
A culture of listening to schools’ feedback and working to meet their requirements.
Robust risk management processes across all areas of the business.
Robust safeguarding and child protection procedures.
The full list of criteria LOtC Quality Badge applicants must meet is available here: http://lotcqualitybadge.org.uk/quality indicators in detail
The Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel endorsesthe LOtC Quality Badge and the majority of Local Authority Outdoor Education Advisers have indicated that they accept the award in place of some or all of their checks.
You can view which Local Authority Outdoor Education Advisers support the LOtC Quality Badge by visiting theOEAP website http://oeap.info/
