Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, responded to the Prime Minister’s Urgent Winter Covid-19 statement to push for Outdoor Education Centres to be allowed to re-open for residential visits.
Residential Outdoor Education Centres have not been able to open for school groups since March when the first national lockdown came into force. The most recent Government guidelines state that there will be a complete ban on school residentials for 2020, and no further information for 2021 season will be provided until later this year. Many centres are facing possible closure, which may lead to many job losses in Cumbria and the surrounding area.
Dr Hudson asked in the Commons:
“Quite rightly we are keeping young people in full time education at this time. The Outdoor Education Sector provides an amazing parallel education for children and there are many centres in Cumbria and across the UK. These centres are ready for Covid-secure programmes where pupils who are in bubbles at school can be safely accommodated. Will my Right Honourable Friend work across Government to look at re-opening these centres as soon as possible for residential visits so that whole cohorts of young people do not miss out on this vital and life-affirming educational opportunity?”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock responded on behalf of the Prime Minister:
“My Honourable Friend makes a very powerful case which is obviously prevalent in his beautiful constituency and I look forward to working with him to see what progress we can make.”
Commenting after the House of Commons session Dr Hudson said:
“I am really encouraged that the Secretary of State has committed to working with me to see if progress can be made in this area. Many Outdoor Education Centres across Penrith and The Border and the UK are in a position to re-open safely. It is important that the Outdoor Education Sector is given the same flexibility to operate as schools as education does not stop at the classroom door.”
“I will continue to work with the Government on this issue as it is important not only to the businesses themselves but so importantly for the life opportunities of the young people who benefit from these visits.”
