To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what support his Department has made available to (a) small and (b) independent organisations which provide learning experiences to develop their capacities and capabilities to meet the quality requirements of the Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto. (271321)

As part of its pledge of support for the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) manifesto, the Department, working with representatives from across the full range of organisations providing learning outside the classroom, has developed the LOtC Quality Badge. It is awarded to providers of any size who have pledged to engage in an on-going process to sustain high quality learning outside the classroom. For those organisations that provide activities that are deemed to have a lower requirement in terms of risk management there is a new ‘Code of Practice'. This route includes an online self assessment and guidance, with a 10 per cent. sampling of Quality Assurance visits. Nine manifesto sectors for example, heritage, natural environment and arts and creativity, have champion trainers whose role is to lead training events for organisations interested in achieving the Quality Badge.

This is not a compulsory scheme. However, we hope that providers will see the benefit of the Quality Badge in reviewing and improving their own offer. It provides a framework for organisations to work in partnership with schools, youth groups and local authorities, and be confident they are providing inspirational experiences that meet young people's needs.