SAAF (Scottish Adventure Activities Forum) has now published its final report and recommendations as a result of recent consultation with providers and stakeholders involved in adventure education and outdoor learning. It highlights and recommends to Scottish Government, a need for review and change in a number of key areas of adventure activities licensing;
- Licensed activities
- Registration
- Cost and duration of license
- Inspection and best practice
- Opting in
- Cross border arrangements
- Review of licensing
While our schools and educational establishment will need no action at this point, while Ministers respond the review has the potential to influence the management and quality of adventurous activity for all our young people.
At the Outdoor Learning Service we will continue to support the review by our attendance at SAAF on behalf of SAPOE and believe the review is an opportunity to improve quality and standards within the outdoor arena and as SAAF note;
“Adventurous activities prepare a wide range of age groups for their own challenges, stimulate a passion for the outdoors and develop a thirst for learning. Therefore it is important to reflect all of these aspects within any legislation that may be produced to govern adventurous activities in Scotland and at the same time capture the spirit of Scotland’s wild places.”
We will keep our education establishments up to date as and when Scotgov respond. Meanwhile keep going out there!!