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More pro-environmental behaviour and values and a stronger connection to the natural world.
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Improving the health and wellbeing of participants, and future generations, developing their self-confidence, self-esteem, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and raising attainment.
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Outdoor learning in the local community or further afield engages young people to learn, they like being active, enjoy learning outdoors and it can improve attendance in young people not engaged with school.
Overall, it is considered at this stage, that the positive effects of these measures on sustainability are likely to outweigh any negative impacts by, for example, an increase in development of skills for life, learning and work versus the emissions in travel to a residential outdoor centre. The skills developed by this proposed bill will prepare young people for an active role in the complex world beyond the classroom where they take responsibility for their own welfare, work in teams to solve problems and think creatively. It will also allow young people to manage real risks and develop resilience.
Equalities From an initial assessment, it does not appear that the proposed bill would have a disproportionately positive or negative impact on the protected characteristics groups set out in the Equality Act 2010. The proposed bill may increase equality in certain areas in terms of having a positive impact, for example by opening up outdoor education to young people from less affluent backgrounds who may otherwise be unable to access the facilities. However, the proposal only applies to pupils in state and grant aided schools, and not those in the private/independent sector. In terms of other actions that might be required to ensure equality of provision for all: • •
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The programme and facilities would need to be appropriate for the age of those participating The programme and facilities would have to be sufficiently accessible to ensure that children and young people with a disability or any additional support needs can actively participate; and The programme and facilities should meet and respect any specific religious/ethnic/cultural requirements children and young people participating.
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