Meanwhile, the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) bill, introduced by Conservative MSP Liz Smith, is progressing. It has recently received major backing from the Scottish government. Initially at risk of failing due to financial constraints, the bill’s future brightened when ministers indicated their willingness to allocate additional resources, allowing the legislation to move forward.
Liz Smith highlighted the transformative nature of outdoor education for young people, stressing the need to provide these experiences to all children, no matter their socioeconomic background. Her analysis led her to project the cost of the policy at £25 million – £40 million per year. The Children’s Outdoor Bill would enable all children in Scotland to experience the benefits of residential outdoor education. Smith is convinced that doing so can dramatically improve their learning experiences.
The artists’ proposal received unanimous support on its introduction. Children’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes recently warned that the funding needed was “unaffordable”. Don-Innes’s testimony was especially noteworthy in that she questioned how the policy will be implemented. In addition, he took aim at the untenable bind created by current education spending.
As the bill looks to stage two, all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) will receive an opportunity to submit amendments. This is their chance to improve the legislation even more. This important phase will trigger a great deal more debate over how to actually structure the bill. It will address issues that remain to be addressed.
Even the body representing Scotland’s local authorities—the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla)—has raised concerns over the bill’s deliverability. They are further drawing attention to challenges that we foresee in its implementation. Even with these worries, Smith is hopeful about outdoor learning programs being a game changer.
“I think we should be trying to level up, to ensure that young people, whoever they are, whatever their background, whatever their family circumstances, they should have that opportunity.” – Liz Smith
The big possibility is that ministers will announce a new round of Local Transport Fund awards. This will move a fundamental procedural hurdle for the bill and ensure passage of an adequate financial resolution by week’s end.
