Tory MSP ‘thrilled’ as residential outdoor education Bill backed at first stage

A Conservative MSP has said she is “thrilled” Holyrood has backed the general principles of her Bill to ensure every school pupil can benefit from residential outdoors education.

However, the Scottish Government has voiced concerns the Bill could be “unaffordable” and will hold further talks with its proposer Liz Smith.

The Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill would ensure all children have the chance to experience five days of residential outdoor education during their time at school.

The legislation passed a stage one vote at Holyrood on Thursday with 64 votes in favour and one opposed, with 54 MSPs abstaining.

Though if a financial resolution cannot be agreed in the next six months it will likely not progress further.

Members of the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee have already estimated it could cost between £24.3 million and £40.6 million if the Bill is passed.

Their report raised concerns over how this would be funded, along with issues about how to ensure pupils with additional support needs (ASN) could benefit from the trips.

Following the vote, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Ms Smith said: “I am thrilled that my Outdoor Education Bill has passed stage one at Holyrood with cross-party support.

“Too many young people are currently missing out on this opportunity, and this is especially the case in the most deprived areas.

“The evidence for the benefits of residential outdoor education is compelling and exactly what is needed to begin addressing the considerable challenges in Scottish education such as attendance, behaviour, discipline and mental health in the aftermath of Covid.”

Ms Smith, who is standing down at the next election, continued: “Not many Member’s Bills make it this far in the process and it is a credit to the sector for persuasively putting forward the transformational impact residential experiences can have on our young people.”

During the debate preceding the vote, minister for children Natalie Don-Innes said the Government would be abstaining.

She said all children should have the opportunity to engage in outdoor education and the Government views these activities as “incredibly important”.

Ms Don-Innes said: “Of course we are supportive of the underpinning aims of the Bill.

“But our initial and significant reservations, as set out to committee last year, remain as yet unresolved.”

She said the concerns on affordability, equity and workforce implications must be resolved in talks with Ms Smith, which will happen “at pace”.

The minister added: “The Bill as introduced is unaffordable.”