how can we deliver learning outside the classroom

Synthesis of the five main points made by the workshop groups

National parks can deliver learning outside the classroom through:

1. Working together on this big opportunity:

• making a plan as a national park family (key role for ENPA - this is an English initiative, but is also of interest to Scotland and Wales);
• looking at the possibilities from a child’s perspective;
• sourcing funding;
• maximising resources by lobbying with positive examples, including SDF; and
• developing a joint bid to develop an evidence base of robust, evaluated programmes.

2. Developing agreed approaches. This is our traditional territory – we know we can do this, but in what capacity? We need to position ourselves:

• Do we want to be part of delivery – is the scheme voluntary?
• Are we champions/co-ordinators/brokers? Do we develop as clearing houses – identifying the roles of providers, increasing awareness, working in partnership, developing the range of products, offering expertise and facilitation? Or;
• Are we deliverers? Although we are not the main suppliers of education – do we develop for example a literacy and numeracy package across all parks? Or;
• Are we simply influencers/promoters of the idea? Working with individual families rather than mainstream education?
• Finally, are we working alone or with partners? Do we have the capacity to deliver alone?
• The outcomes must align with core purposes of national parks. Can we use our management plans to bring key partners together to deliver?

3. Working in partnership. We could either see ourselves as in competition with other organisations or could:

• See the bigger picture, and work with other protected areas including areas of outstanding natural beauty and related non governmental organisations like the wildlife trusts;
• Be bold and think out of the box about new partnerships – business, fire service etc; and
• Align our work with the outcomes of partner organisations.

4. Finding out more. We need to know more about how the scheme will work:

• How will ‘badging’ system work?
• What is needed to deliver in terms of resources?
• Who will decide on quality?
• How voluntary is the scheme?
• Should some pilot areas should sign up for scheme?

5. Spreading the word. We have an important role here. We can:

• Signpost;
• Co ordinate;
• Spread word through members and management teams; and
• ‘Inreach’ to schools within parks as well as outreach to others.