MSP ‘hopeful’ of deal on residential outdoor education for all pupils

The MSP behind a Bill to ensure every pupil can benefit from outdoor residential education is “hopeful” a crucial deal can be reached with the Government on the costs of the plans.

Parliament has already backed the general principles of Liz Smith’s Residential Outdoor Education Bill but it could still fall due to ministers’ concerns it may be “unaffordable”.

Ms Smith, a Conservative who has been MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife for almost 20 years, says her member’s Bill will likely need to be more targeted towards deprived schools in order to cut costs.

The implementation of the Bill could also be moved back to the 2027/28 school year, rather than the previous one as initially planned.

It may also be limited to the P7 and S1 age groups.

The legislation aims to ensure all children have the chance to experience five days of residential outdoor education during their time at school.

With the Bill now progressing to the second of Holyrood’s three-stage process, Ms Smith told the PA news agency only the Scottish Government can lay a financial resolution for her member’s Bill – with costs estimated to be around £40 million.

She said: “If the Scottish Government, for any reason, decided not to lay a financial resolution, then the Bill falls.

“But I’m hopeful that they are going to, because I’ve had engagement with them to suggest some changes that we could make to a reduce the costs.

“We might move it a little bit further down the line, initially I was hopeful it would be for (school year) 26/27, but it might have to be 27/28.

“If it’s a difference between getting the Bill through and not getting it through – if I have to make an adjustment to cut costs, then that’s fine.

“I’ve agreed to have a look at that and it means that we might have to do a little bit more targeting on those most in need.”

Despite the negotiations over implementation, Ms Smith is adamant outdoor residential education is something all children must have the option of.

She said: “It gives them belief in themselves. It gives them confidence, it gives them self-esteem. It gives them a resilience, which I think is so important post-Covid.

“It’s being part of a team, it’s understanding what they can do as opposed to what they can’t do. I mean, the benefits are just endless.”

Martin Davidson, chief executive of the Outward Bound Trust, is strongly supportive of Ms Smith’s plans.

He said: “This Outdoor Education Bill represents more than policy, it’s a promise.

“A promise that every young person in Scotland, regardless of background, should have the chance to experience a truly transformative residential.

“At Outward Bound, we don’t just support this move – we’ve stood behind it every step of the way.

“The momentum is encouraging and now’s the time to keep pushing. Outdoor residentials aren’t a ‘nice-to-have’, they’re where confidence is built, resilience is tested and young people start to believe that anything is possible.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting outdoor learning in all forms, including residential outdoor education, as part of a balanced approach to providing quality learning experiences.

“Ministers continue to engage with Ms Smith on the Bill following its passage at stage one, and we will confirm our position by September on whether to lodge a financial resolution.

“Both the Education Committee and the Scottish Government have been clear that outstanding issues on the affordability of the Bill, impact on the education workforce and ensuring provision is equitable for children across Scotland need to be addressed before a decision can be taken.”