Learning Outside the Classroom

One in five of all HHA properites offer educational visits, welcoming 400,000  learners each year.  Historic houses provide a powerful way to engage children with history and heritage and to foster direct connections between places and communities. They can also help understanding of individual and shared identity and assist young people to discover and explore what is on their doorstep.

The HHA is a keen supporter of the principles embodied within Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto – to give every child learning opportunities beyond the school  - and the commitment to deliver the Out and About package. We have been represented through The Heritage Alliance, of which the HHA is a member, on the National Advisory Group and directly through the Heritage Sector Partnership to advise and help on the programme’s implementation including promotion and training. 

The Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge was launched in January 2009 but a key issue for the HHA  was how the quality assurance process would accredit places. Whilst a number of HHA members have gone on to successfully acquire the Badge, we did not wish to see houses, particularly those offering small-scale and informal opportunities, excluded and disadvantaged. Seen against the background of other compliance and regulatory demands, the Badge could become a barrier for some houses which currently welcome school visits.  It would be a great disservice to children now and in the future if this has the effect of excluding them from the opportunity to learn in the extraordinary diversity of historic places.

The HHA was pleased that funding was awarded by the LOtC Council to provide help and guidance to help historic houses better understand the Quality Badge and to develop their education provision. This funding has now come to an end and it is imperative that support is continued over the next few years to build on this year's successes.