1st 2026 Educational Visits Leader training starts January for Midlothian @mideduteam @midgov staff. Sign up via Midlothian Education PLA site or register Eventbrite shorturl.at/cyPA2 - Courses support Going Out There Safe Practice Guidance @SAPOE_org
An amazing achievement by all involved...and fully supported cross party at Holyrood! Now thoughts will move to preparing guidance & how quality outdoor residential experiences can become a reality for all our young people in Scotland👏👏@SAPOE_org @AHOEC_Scotland
Enhancements to the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill made by @ScotGov, working with Liz Smith and MSPs across @ScotParl, will "help ensure that no child is left behind" - Children’s Minister @NatalieDon_
The Minister welcomed MSPs' vote to pass the Bill.

ALT Children's Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: "This bill creates a framework for the future provision of residential outdoor education that is deliverable. "Crucially, it now supports equitable and accessible provision, for children with additional support needs (ASN) or whose families could not afford the costs."
Bill Stephen retweeted
BIG NEWS!
Every young person in Scotland will be entitled to at least 4 nights + 5 days of residential outdoor ed during their school career.
The Bill was passed yesterday 16/12. This is a big achievement by Liz Smith MSP and the campaigners.
parliament.scot/bills-and-la…
I've created a @bluesky account seeing how it goes starting to feel uncomfortable posting on X with recent events. May jump soon to what I hope will be a brighter place.
"(SROI) for schools that have embedded learning outside the classroom in natural environments as a whole school approach is £4.32 for every £1 invested"
@mideduteam @SAPOE_org
outdoor-learning.org/resourc…
Interesting & useful publication for those with EVC roles in @mideduteam establishments @SAPOE_org
theevcmagazine.com/#readnow
Bill Stephen retweeted
It is vital that pupils with additional support needs (ASN) are given the resources they need to excel in education.
That is why @ScotGov is offering local authorities an additional £29m to support the recruitment and retention of specialist staff.
➡️ bit.ly/4ijuI3v
Bill Stephen retweeted
Privileged to give evidence to @SP_ECYP in Parliament today with @nickjmarch @FredaFallon_OBT & @jamieoutside about @mspliz 's Bill to make residentials an entitlement for all. We brought the powerful young person & parent testimonies into the room to show power of residentials
Last minutes spaces available for @mideduteam on this weeks CLPL (1st session Wednesday) Educational Visits Training. Get in touch to join!
Heading out on a visit? New courses available @mideduteam Visit Leaders & Coordinators . Book @ Midlothian Professional Learning Academy site -shorturl.at/rQgaQ ( info on Midvisits EVOLVE too) #Safe & #Successfull visits using the GOT @SAPOE_org framework & resources.
Bill Stephen retweeted
Heading out on a visit? New courses available @mideduteam Visit Leaders & Coordinators . Book @ Midlothian Professional Learning Academy site -shorturl.at/rQgaQ ( info on Midvisits EVOLVE too) #Safe & #Successfull visits using the GOT @SAPOE_org framework & resources.
Heading out on a visit? New courses available @mideduteam Visit Leaders & Coordinators . Book @ Midlothian Professional Learning Academy site -shorturl.at/rQgaQ ( info on Midvisits EVOLVE too) #Safe & #Successfull visits using the GOT @SAPOE_org framework & resources.
Always good to see @mideduteam @midpathways learner make choices & take on new challenges & pushing #NICASclimbing skills over last couple of weeks. Developing Climb activity in safe & structured ways. #outdoorlearning #Achieve
On ground monitoring-groups & visit leaders @mideduteam Educational Visits allows feedback & sharing of robust practice & ensure building safe hi quality achievement experiences for learners @StDavidsHS @BeeslackHigh 2 x @DofEScotland operating safely in different terrain👏
Bill Stephen retweeted
The third and final round of our 2024 Local School Nature Grants programme is open until November 8!
You could get free staff training for your school and £500 to spend on outdoor equipment including fire pits, planters, and waterproof clothing! Apply 👇 ltl.org.uk/projects/local-sc…
Bill Stephen retweeted
Education Scotland has published its latest #ScottishAttainmentChallenge National Summary Report.
You can find the full report here 👇 ow.ly/KwMl50Tcj05
A fantastic, busy Friday afternoon in the ☀️Thanks @mideduteam probationers who came along to our 1st of 2024 Midlothian PL Academy - Outdoor Learning Session . So many curriculum links & impacts, tasks & experiential learning 👏Midlothian Rangers who supported too.
Why outdoor education could save public money in the long term heraldscotland.com/news/2454…
Bill Stephen retweeted
Great paper providing a comprehensive overview of research on the long-term impacts of outdoor programmes, while focusing on study purposes, outcomes, and methodological rigour 🤓
Follow the link to read more: tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.…
Newbattle Abbey College offering Fast Track Forest & Outdoor Learning Awards (FOLA) Leadership CLPL to Midlothian @mideduteam teachers & community learning staff, commencing Autumn 2024. More info on FOLA –nac.ac.uk & Flyer, dates & contact shorturl.at/eOe6s
As always a concise, useful & informative guidance note Visit from our colleagues in England & Wales @theoeap regarding contracts and waivers.@SAPOE_org Important aspects for establishments & visit leaders to consider when planning educational visits.
Just updated: offsite visit contracts and waivers.
"You must ensure that you have authority from your employer..."
#oeapng #outdooreducation
oeapng.info/16057-offsite-vi…























