Uses 
 | OUTDOOR EDUCATION |
| The Outdoor Education Unit was established in April 2003 following recommendations issued by the DCSF in August 2002. We are here to advise and support LEA Schools and Youth Centres on all issues relating to Educational Visits. |
Visits that include an overnight stay and/or adventurous activities must obtain KCC approval via the e-go online system as per current guidance.
Out-of-county visits
From 1st September 2007 KCC requires NOTIFICATION of non-adventurous day visits to locations outside of Kent.
Schools and the Youth Service can use the e-go online system to enter their visits for approval and make notifications.
Click on the e-go logo below to access the system.
New CPD/INSET Training Brochure Launched
(Click on the brochure to open it)
Learning Outside the Classroom -
Every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.
LA Approval Process Guidance
ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL EDUCATIONAL VISIT CO-ORDINATOR'S (EVC'S) AND VISIT LEADERS
APPROVAL SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES FOR SCHOOLS AND YOUTH & COMMUNITY
The following page contains relevant documents that summarise the LA approval process for all groups working with young people outside of the classroom.
Vetting of providers
One of our main roles is to confirm that any providers you are using for adventurous activities or residential accommodation meet KCC's requirements. The document below identifies and explains the checks that we carry out.
Current hot topics
Advice and Guidance Our original document Towards Safe Practice in Outdoor Education was produced in June 1987. With Outdoor Education evolving and growing, it was clearly important that KCC kept abreast of good practice and legislation and so our current document, Management and Leadership of Offsite Work was published in 1992. With an increase in the use of the outdoors by all sections of society, we have also seen some tragic accidents take place. These accidents are very rare, but as we have moved into the new millennium with more legislation, more experience and a greater understanding of safety and good practice, it is time once again to review our current guidance. This new document, Safe Practice of Offsite Activities, has involved discussions widely across Kent County Council's Education & Libraries Directorate. This revision is the second full revision since the original edition and replaces Management and Leadership of Offsite Work. We have taken the best advice regarding current practice. Those who work in Kent schools and youth service have set a very high standard for themselves over the years. They have proved themselves to be conscientious, professional and thoroughly trustworthy in their care of young people. This document is intended to help them to have at their disposal the best advice and support that can be provided. It is hoped that it will give them confidence to continue to take groups off site and to make their learning experiences even richer. There is clear evidence that all who lead need continually to review and update their practice. What was acceptable three years ago may not be considered safe or caring today. Our own memories may distort what we 'used to do'. This document is intended to help readers be aware of current considerations regarding planning and safety. Click on the following link to access the online version of Safe Practice of Offsite Activities. A link to updates on this document is also available. Safe Practice of Offsite Activities
The most valuable resource in any authority is the staff who work for them and for young people. No set of written statements can anticipate every contingency, nor should this be attempted. It is vital that leaders in the field should have confidence to make correct judgements and decisions. This document is intended to help this process. Leaders need also to know that there is an established emergency system in place to respond when the unexpected does happen. If there is any matter related to this document about which you require further clarification then please contact the Outdoor Education Officer (Youth and Community) on 01580 713657 or the Health and Safety Unit on 01622 694138/44.
Links to KCC Outdoor Education Centres
- Horton Kirby Environmental Education Centre
The main aim of this centre is to support teachers of all key stages in delivering the National Curriculum, particularly science, geography and history, through providing pupils with practical experience of the natural and built environment around Horton Kirby and the nearby Darent Valley. - Canterbury Environmental Education Centre
- The Swattenden Centre
The Swattenden Centre is an outdoor education and residential centre located near the historic town of Cranbrook. Users include schools and youth organisations. However, it is also ideal as a training centre combining conference facilities with team building and management development courses. - Centre d'Hardelot
Centre d'Hardelot is owned by Kent County Council, managed by Youth and Community and is set in eight acres of woodland on the outskirts of the French seaside town of Hardelot. - Bewl Water Outdoor Centre
Bewl Water is truly an outstanding venue for outdoor education and activity courses. - Kent Mountain Centre
Kent Mountain Centre provides outdoor adventurous activities for young people within a residential setting.
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