Jake Wiid

Engage, connect, enrich: our day at the CLOtC National Conference

By Emma Wiid · 13 Nov 2026 · 7 min read

The EVC Magazine spent a beautiful winter’s day at RHS Garden Wisley Thursday 12th November, for the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom’s National Conference. Throughout the day, we engaged with teachers, school leaders, providers, and policymakers to hear the latest news and learn what you might want to try in your own setting.

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC), is the charity that champions learning beyond the classroom across the UK. This year’s theme was Engage, Connect and Enrich, bringing together keynote speakers, a Department for Education (DfE) policy update, interactive workshops and an exhibition zone packed with providers.

If we had to sum up the day in two thoughts, they would be these; you’re probably doing more that you realise (so finding this out is the key starting point) and that learning outside the classroom (LOtC) works best when it’s a whole school approach, supported by senior leaders across the setting.

Oriel High School: LOtC: More than just visits

Oriel High School gave the morning’s inspirational keynote. Deputy Headteacher Helen Everitt, along with EVC and Business Manager Ryan Sallows, talked us through how the school reached a Gold LOtC Mark in 2024 and how this process helped them to pull together all of the individual elements that they were already doing.

Oriel shared that LOtC works so well in their setting as it’s a focus for the senior leadership team (SLT), with all staff on board about the importance of varied experiences. Ryan Sallows shared insight into how the school champions LOtC, and how important it is to put aside budget each year to ensure it happens.

Their message on variety stood out as the key to broad enrichment. From alpacas visiting the school, to the school’s own “Wild” project. Further examples included reduced-price ballot tickets to the opera through Glyndebourne tickets, a Model UN programme, Eco-Schools, STEM on Track, Duke of Edinburgh Award and Gardening club just to name a few.

The keynote rounded off with Ryan reminding us all

“You wouldn’t run a school without a PE department, so why run it without an LOtC department?” showing deep commitment to LOtC and all it brings to the secondary school.

TOP TIPS FOR EVCS

▪ Check whether LOtC appears in your school improvement plan, and which member of the SLT champions it.

▪ Give someone clear responsibility for it, with a team around them rather than a single enthusiast.

▪ Look at the range of experiences you offer. Are there gaps by year group, subject or type of visit? Use the audit tool from CLOtC or the DfE as a starting point.

▪ Consider the LOtC Mark as a framework to work towards.

Emma Wiid

What the DfE had to say

Eve Colyer, Jenny Oster Warriner and Juanita Shepherd gave the DfE update on Enrichment. This year marked a milestone in LOtC when the government defined enrichment for the first time in its Enrichment Framework. The DfE wants enrichment to be purposeful and built into the whole school approach, rather than relying on one individual. The DfE also strengthened Oriel’s message, advising schools identify what you’re already doing and to build from there. Starting with your school grounds, local areas visits and progressing from there. They also shared the importance of seeing what other school’s are doing, using your networks as a source of inspiration.

The DfE highlighted that they have appointed 5 enrichment theme ambassadors working with the government to support schools, to ensure all pupils have access to enrichment opportunities. Their role will include identifying and celebrating good practice, inside and outside schools, helping to shape and grow opportunities, and making sure that opportunities are available to areas of the country and groups of children who would otherwise miss out.

A key highlight it is the nature, outdoor and adventure ambassador; Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. An inspirational Paralympian and broadcaster, as well as Chair of Trustees for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

A key message linked to a core area for the CLOtC: their schools mark scheme. As part of this, schools are able to access a self evaluation tool – a key starting point that covered a large proportion of the DfE’s enrichment framework.

Helpfully, the DfE also have a self-assessment tool available to help you see where your school is now, and where to focus on moving forwards.

To support delivery of this, the DfE highlighted that funding is being considered, with more details coming in the new year. We will ensure to pass on details as soon as we have them.

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR SCHOOL

• Start with a self-assessment, so you know what you already offer before you add anything new.
• List the places on your doorstep, from the school grounds to local museums, parks and community groups.
• Link each visit to a clear purpose in your enrichment plan and include that purpose on the visit approval form.
• Swap ideas with a neighbouring school. Someone nearby has probably solved the problem you are facing.

Beyond the keynotes: workshops and networking

The interactive workshops were designed for schools and providers alike, ranging from topics such as managing the big moments from Manchester United Foundation, gardening for Biodiversity run by the RHS and Evaluations run by EVOLVE Advice. Throughout these sessions, questions around inclusion came up again and again, showing it continues to be an area of priority for all.

The exhibition zone brought together an array of inspiring stands from providers, charities and suppliers, making it easy to ask questions and pick up ideas for future visit.

Final thoughts

This year’s conference focusing on Engage, Connect, Enrich gave participants a great day, full of top tips and inspiration, with the term itself being a handy test for any educational visit or experience you plan.

Does it engage pupils? Does it connect them with people and places beyond the school gates? And, importantly, does it enrich what they learn? If the answer to these is yes, then you are on the right track.

You can find out more about CLOtC and its resources at www.lotc.org.uk.

Emma Wiid

Emma is a qualified Secondary Science Teacher whose degree specialises in Outdoor Management with Education, Training and Development. Emma spent a number of years working and training in the Outdoor Industry before moving into Secondary Science Teaching.

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