The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) is the national charity that champions learning outside the classroom (LOtC). Our work supports educators, schools and organisations to ensure more young people have access to life-changing educational experiences beyond the classroom walls.

Whether you are just starting out or already taking your teaching and learning beyond the classroom, we can support you to develop your confidence and knowledge to take your learning beyond the classroom every day through our ‘Learning Beyond’ programme for teachers and educators. The Learning Beyond programme includes three pathways –

• Membership which offers resources and discounts
• LOtC Mark Direct – an independent LOtC journey using our new progress tracker to structure your development
• LOtC Mentoring – bespoke support from a LOtC Hub and CLOtC staff to guide you to develop your LOtC.

We work with other organisations to offer projects for schools. For 2022, the Waterways, Wildlife and Wellbeing project, in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, is offering schools in the West Midlands the opportunity for their students to connect with the natural environment, enhance their wellbeing and embed all learning beyond the classroom across the curriculum. Find out more and get involved.

A vast range of different organisations, people and venues support schools in bringing learning to life, from historic buildings to sacred spaces, outdoor activity centres to botanical gardens, museums to theme parks, farms to expeditions abroad. We manage the LOtC Quality Badge which recognises organisations that provide good quality learning experiences and effective risk management. Find out more about the LOtC Quality Badge and other accreditations.

As an individual or organisation, if you would like to support our work in supporting schools to develop their learning beyond the classroom, and raising the profile and influencing policy in support of LOtC as an effective and important pedagogy to support children’s learning, wellbeing and cultural capital, please become a supporter of CLOtC.

Visit our website to find information, latest LOtC news, research, resources and training events for both schools and education settings, as well as organisations.