FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST: 202000113897 “Any communications (including letters, emails, text or Whatsapp messages or phone calls) between civil servants and Ministers on the subject of funding for outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 23 October 2020.” * Note: All redactions below are under Section 38(1)(b) (Personal information) unless otherwise stated.
DOCUMENTS FOR RELEASE (REDACTIONS APPLIED)
------
DOCUMENT NO. 1 – EMAIL TRAIL BEGINNING 19 OCTOBER, ENDING 21 OCTOBER 2020
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 21 October 2020 11:39 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
I’m on it now, [Redacted]
I need to double check the procurement situation before we can set up a call with Youthlink, but we can go ahead to a call with a key stakeholder very quickly – I’ll be in touch.
I’ll speak to comms about a social media video script – new to me, but I will be able to generate the material.
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 11:36
1
To: McAllister C (Colin)
Good morning,
In addition to [Redacted] last email, Mr Lochhead has asked if we can please arrange the following:
- A call with the key stakeholder or maybe two – Mr Lochhead has suggested he could call Youth Link and then the person that heads the campaign.
- If this could be done just before we send off letter to MSPs that were at the debate and also those that have since contacted us and also release the PR at same time as letter lands in inboxes
- A very short script of say 30 seconds, Mr Lochhead will video that to go out on social media from SG
The Minister has commented that it would be good to get this done within the next hour or so if possible – grateful if someone can please confirm that they can pick this up?
Many thanks, [Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 11:36 To: McAllister C (Colin)
2
[Redacted]@gov.scot; [Redacted]@gov.scot >; [Redacted]@gov.scot >; [Redacted]@gov.scot >; [Redacted]@gov.scot Armstrong A (Alan)
Subject: RE: Urgent submission - support for outdoor education centres
Also, Mr Lochhead has said he will do a short video for social media if colleagues can send a very short script.
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 11:36 To: McAllister C (Colin)
[Redacted],
Mr Lochhead has suggested he should call the key stakeholder prior to any public announcement ie. just before it. Grateful for advice on that.
3
Also, can we draft a press release and letters ASAP to stakeholder and MSPs.
Thanks, [Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot> On Behalf Of Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Sent: 21 October 2020 10:46 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot >; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
[Redacted]
Thank you for your submission – DFM is grateful to Mr Lochhead and officials for the work that has been done here. He is also grateful to Alison Cumming for the undertaking of the savings exercise.
DFM thinks £1m is unlikely to have as significant an effect on the sector as we need so he is prepared to agree £2m to be available for this Fund and for Youthlink to be invited to administer it. DFM has discussed the savings exercise that has been done with Ms Forbes and she has agreed that he can proceed to authorise this from within his own Budget management. We need to move ahead at pace and try to avoid any precipitative decisions being made by providers.
DFM has said we should start talking to the sector immediately and Mr Lochhead should announce asap.
I’d be grateful if you could please keep our office advised.
Kind Regards [Redacted]
4
[Redacted] | Deputy Private Secretary to John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills | The Scottish Government | Web: www.gov.scot | [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] | Email: [email protected] | [Redacted]@gov.scot 5N.07 St Andrew’s House | Regent Road | Edinburgh | EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments.
Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 19 October 2020 17:23 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Subject: Urgent submission - suppo[Redacted]
a submission for the DFM’s decision on outdoor education centres. As this involves spending, Ms Forbes will also want to comment. The DFM is aware this is an urgent issue, with considerable media and political attention.
This advice recommends that DFM put £1m of savings identified in the Education portfolio (see Alison Cummings’ note of this morning) into supporting outdoor education centres.
Paul Johnstone has agreed to this approach in principle, from the Accountable Officer perspective; a formal template will follow. Outdoor education remains extremely high profile and liable to get more so [Redacted: Section 33 (1) (b) FOISA]. Any action we take is unlikely to be able to safeguard them, but would be able to reduce the risk that significant numbers follow them into administration.
5
[Redacted: out of scope for this release]
Very happy to discuss.
Thanks
[Redacted]
Curriculum, Qualifications and Gaelic Division Scottish Government [Redacted]
------
DOCUMENT NO. 2: EMAIL TRAIL BEGINNING 09 OCTOBER, ENDING 19 OCTOBER 2020
From: Cumming A (Alison) Early Learning & Childcare
DFM
Further to my note of Friday 9 October, Directors have now completed an interim review of our remaining budgets to support you in taking early decisions on requests for additional support for the outdoor education sector and [Redacted: out of scope]
Alison
Alison Cumming Interim Director, Early Learning and Childcare Scottish Government
Telephone: [Redacted] Email: [email protected]
Follow us @ELCScotGov and @OSCScotGov
From: Cumming A (Alison) Early Learning & Childcare Sent: 09 October 2020 12:04 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
6
Subject: IMMEDIATE - Portfolio finance position Importance: High
DFM
Further to your call with Paul and I last night, here is a short note setting out our advice following further discussions with Graeme and Lorna.
Outdoor education – officials’ advice is that there is not a strong case to provide financial support to the sector, even based on the reduced proposal brought forward in Mr Lochhead’s note to you of 6 October. It is still not clear if the sector has made or will make full use of other forms of support available to it, including the Third Sector Resilience Fund and UK Government schemes such as the Job Retention Scheme and its successor. We would recommend that we focus instead on supporting the centres to safely reopen in line with guidance and refocus their activity on day trips and other types of permitted activity. [Redacted: out of scope, does not relate to this FOI request] [Redacted: out of scope, does not relate to this FOI request]
Paul and I would be very happy to discuss further with you this afternoon. The rest of this note provides a further update on the portfolio position, including the specific points on education recovery funding and the childcare transitional support fund which we discussed last night.
[Redacted: out of scope]
Alison
Alison Cumming Interim Director, Early Learning and Childcare Scottish Government
Telephone: [Redacted] Email: [email protected]
Follow us @ELCScotGov and @OSCScotGov
------
DOCUMENT NO. 3: COVERING E-MAIL AND SUBMISSION TO DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER – 19 OCTOBER 2020
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 19 October 2020 17:23 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
7
Cc: McAllister C (Colin)
Hi [Redacted]
As discussed, please find attached a submission for the DFM’s decision on outdoor education centres. As this involves spending, Ms Forbes will also want to comment. The DFM is aware this is an urgent issue, with considerable media and political attention.
This advice recommends that DFM put £1m of savings identified in the Education portfolio (see Alison Cummings’ note of this morning) into supporting outdoor education centres.
Paul Johnstone has agreed to this approach in principle, from the Accountable Officer perspective; a formal template will follow. Outdoor education remains extremely high profile and liable to get more so as [Redacted: Section 33 (1) (b) FOISA]. Any action we take is unlikely to be able to safeguard them, but would be able to reduce the risk that significant numbers follow them into administration.
[Redacted: out-with scope for this FOI request.]
Very happy to discuss.
Thanks
[Redacted]
Curriculum, Qualifications and Gaelic Division Scottish Government [Redacted]
------
8
ACCOMPANYING SUBMISSION
From: [REDACTED] 19 October 2020
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Copy: Cabinet Secretary for Finance Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Minister for Children and Young People First Minister
FUNDING FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES
Purpose
1. To provide further analysis and recommendations for supporting outdoor education centres while schools are restricted from undertaking residential visits.
Priority
2. Urgent. You are aware of the urgency of the situation for a number of centres. [Redacted: Section 33 (1) (b) of FOISA]
Background
3. Further to Mr Lochhead’s meeting with sector representatives on 1 October and following a finance discussion with Mr Swinney on 9 October, this submission provides further advice on options for supporting outdoor education centres, considering the budget pressure.
4. The outdoor education sector has requested that Scottish Government consider providing a bid fund of £2.5-3m, to support a portion of their identified funding shortfall until the start of August 2021. The aim is to maintain their buildings as a minimum, but also help providers redirect operations towards day visits and in- school offers. In total, the sector as whole expects their costs to be over £9m up to July 2020. SG funding is viewed as the initial contribution, with remaining funds coming from charitable benefactors and fees paid by schools, local authorities or parents for visits. (Centres also raise some income during holiday periods from private bookings.)
5. The proposal is that SG funds would be allocated on a bid basis to third sector residential providers across the country, supporting them to deliver an in school or viable day visit programme. How feasible and costly this is for each provider will depend to some degree on the geographic location of the provider, with some who are very remote from population centres potentially finding it hardest to take their offer to schools. Providers hope to lever in additional funding from charitable trusts and donors, and from the fees paid by schools for the trips themselves. Schools
9
can charge parents for this ticket price; they can subsidise the charge from funds including Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) and Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC) funds, or fundraise for it. Schools and parents are less prepared to pay a sustainable rate for day visits, and the sector is asking SG to cover the gap.
6. A number of residential providers have long standing day visit programmes, and the residential format is only one element of outdoor education in Scotland – there are other non-residential providers already in existence. We do not believe that the current emergency will see the end of all outdoor education in Scotland without Government intervention, although it could have a significant impact on the specific, iconic, residential experience. Supporting providers to pivot towards day or in school provision will help minimise the risk they close fully, and will help them get through to a time when residential experiences are an option again.
Funding
7. A savings exercise has been taking place across the portfolio, and you will have seen the note from Alison Cumming (19 Oct) showing £5.4m savings identified. There is strong pressure from finance colleagues to use any savings to pay down pressures, however we believe there is a strong case to seek clearance to provide at least £1m as a bid fund to outdoor education centres. This is a fraction of what they have asked for, but should allow us to focus support for organisations to get through the winter months. Anything less than £1m will be hard to defend in the context of the size of the businesses in question and the scale of the ask, and obviously anything further we commit cannot be used to reduce pressures.
8. Doing this will help provide the time for organisations to reorient operations, and for school management to get past the extremely high pressure period they are currently in where they must focus almost exclusively on keeping the doors open safely. It should also provide a window of time for officials, the sector and local authority partners to collaborate on a more sustainable vision for residential outdoor learning in the wider range of outdoor learning provision.
9. There is some question about whether any amount would be ‘too little’ – the sector have said that no amount of money would be turned down, though there will be presentational difficulties in offering a fund which is very significantly lower than the ask. It is also not clear whether a lower value fund would be enough materially to mitigate the impact on the sector of the restrictions; if the value is too low, we may still see organisations we have funded being unable to survive once our funding runs out. [Redaction: Section 33 (1) (b) FOISA].
10. We will need to consider the maximum and minimum grant amounts to be offered from a fund, which will impact on how many organisations can benefit. Providing bigger grants to a few larger organisations would do most to safeguard the future of those organisations, creating more certainty they can survive and representing lower risk spending. Smaller grants would allow more organisations to benefit, but might mean that some organisations who receive funding still find themselves in serious financial difficulty. There is also a significant variation in the size of centres, which will mean that a ‘large’ grant is not the same for all of them.
10
11. [Redacted under Section 33 (11) (b) FOISA]
12. The outdoor education sector have also indicated they will approach schools and local authorities to contribute using any resources they have available under PEF and SAC. PEF funding is controlled by schools and SAC by local authorities, so we in SG do not have direct control of this. However, we can engage with local authorities to make clear that provided they can assure themselves that such funding would be supporting equity and closing the attainment gap, e.g. by targeting outdoor education experiences towards children who have found the return to school a particularly challenging adjustment, then they would be able to use funds in this way.
Further sources of funding available to outdoor centres
13. Three outdoor education organisations received funding through the Third Sector Resilience Fund earlier in the pandemic: Scottish Outdoor Education Centres Limited - £98,465. To have received this funding in the first place, SOEC would have had to have low reserves at the start of the pandemic, which may indicate they would be experiencing financial challenges even without the current restrictions. Adventure Centre for Education - £16,259 Aerial Adventures, Livingston - £15,547
14. Other organisations did seek grant funding from the Third Sector Resilience Fund, but where they had larger reserves they were ineligible for support. Loan funding was available, and sector representatives reported some organisations were turned down for loans because they had no income stream at all at the time. There is also unwillingness to take loans, as this is a sector which exists on a precarious financial footing anyway, and most would find it challenging to service and pay down the debt even in normal times.
15. Two new connected funds have recently been opened as part of the Recovery programme overseen by third sector and communities policy colleagues. Discussions with key officials indicate that outdoor education centres as a sector are likely to be able to apply for both the Third Sector and Communities strands. Grants are available up to £25,000 from each, and theoretically an organisation could receive money from both. These funds are open at present, and can be accessed through the SCVO website. As with the earlier third sector fund, whilst outdoor centres will be applying for this fund, the number who choose to apply will depend on their individual circumstances and they are “swimming in a larger pool”, potentially with an even higher demand for funding in comparison to earlier in the pandemic.
16. Centres have also been able to apply for funding through the recently closed £3m youthwork fund, though it should be noted that outdoor providers cannot apply on their own; they can only apply via community learning and development partnerships. This means that they will be bidding as part of a wider pool, and they will be in competition with an array of other organisations. Bids are being assessed on 28 October 2020 and awards will be announced shortly afterwards. We have
11
asked youthwork policy colleagues to provide a summary of the successful bids with an outdoor element to them.
17. An alternative option could be that rather than focus on funding the sector, we consider whether funding schools directly to spend on outdoor education – e.g. to pay for all children of a certain age to have a day’s outdoor education experience in 2020-21. This has been explored previously and not been taken forward as it has challenges around costs and technical delivery – for example, we would need to guide schools around what constitutes ‘outdoor education’ for this purpose. It would also be difficult to come to a fair per child figure that would be accepted by COSLA and ADES at pace. In the current context, funding the demand side in this way would make it much harder to focus our spend on the outdoor education centres as opposed to other non-residential providers; it would be difficult to justify mandating schools to spend this money only with a specific list of organisations. As an illustration, the sector reports that around 105,000 children take a residential trip every year – £25 for each of those children is a total of £2,625,000.
18. The bid fund model, proposed by the sector itself, would allow for a competitive approach that should drive value from each bid. It would target the funding at providers themselves, which would mean the funding is most efficiently targeted towards safeguarding the specific organisations with which we are concerned. We would be able to set the terms such that bids which e.g. offer the best outcomes for young people and demonstrate they could lever in additional funds from other sources would be prioritised.
The Job Retention Scheme
19. Providers have been using the job retention scheme, and a key reason that the end of October is such a crunch point is the end of the original scheme. We believe providers will not be eligible for help under the newer scheme because they have not been explicitly directed to close by government (UKG or SG). It is our understanding that, were we to direct centres to close, providers would be able to access furlough payments in the new scheme with the costs met by HMT. However, this situation is evolving and we will need to engage further with SGLD and key policy officials to understand if this could apply in the case of outdoor education centres.
20. Closing the centres would mean no staff could be directed towards in school outdoor education provision. It would not directly help organisations maintain their buildings, though the reduction in wage bills would allow them to redirect reserves (where available) towards fixed costs. As in other affected sectors, it is not clear that the new rate of job retention payments will be enough for affected staff to meet their living expenses.
21. It may be possible for SG to direct centres to close depending on how the Direction is framed, for centre staff to take the new furlough arrangements, and then for SG to provide grant funding for building maintenance. In any case, while this option may be a way to use £1m to prevent a larger number of organisations from closing, it will not deliver outcomes for young people in the short term.
12
Value for money assessment
22. Any funding we put in to help outdoor education centres must ultimately deliver outcomes for young people and relate to the experiences and outcomes for CfE. Outdoor education centre sector representatives have stated their own and their colleagues’ commitment to ensuring high quality outdoor experiences continue to drive positive education and attainment outcomes for young people. The guidance that we published jointly with SAPOE in August this year emphasised the positive role that outdoor learning in all its forms can play in both Covid-19 recovery (supporting children’s wellbeing) and in supporting CfE. Our key CfE document on outdoor learning, published in 2010, contains the following lines on the central role of outdoor learning to CfE outcomes:
“All children and young people are participating in a range of progressive and creative outdoor learning experiences which are clearly part of the curriculum” Scottish Government, Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning, 2010
23. The justification for spending is that doing nothing is likely to result in the closure of a large proportion of outdoor education centres in Scotland – the sector estimates around 50%. The benefits of outdoor education on young people’s mental and physical health are well documented, and particularly impactful for young people from more deprived backgrounds who are less likely to experience the benefits of exploring the outdoors in other parts of their life. The political pressure to act is strong and we have recently seen political pressure increasing in England too, focused there on guidance changes. There is a feeling that children growing up in Scotland in particular, given the great richness of our natural environment, should not be deprived of opportunities to experience the outdoors.
24. It is clear this is a sector which has been under financial pressure for some time, with the number of centres having declined in recent years. However, it is also clear that we are at risk of seeing closures accelerate as a direct result of the pandemic. However, right now, if the appropriate funds can be found, outdoor education centres are uniquely placed to support education recovery; sector representatives report demand from schools for recovery focused packages. Young people’s mental health has been hit hard by the pandemic, and outdoor activity could offer an opportunity like no other for restoration. Further, it is clear that the virus transmits less effectively outside, and teachers and pupils are both likely to feel safer. Now is an important opportunity to increase the use of outdoor education throughout the curriculum, making use of the expertise of outdoor education experts to support teachers to weave more outdoor time through their regular class schedule.
25. These centres are largely based in rural and remote locations, and can be the largest employer in a community. Closures will impact on the viability of small communities, where jobs may not easily be replaced.
26. The design of any bid fund could be managed to maximise the chance that we would ‘pick winners’, supporting organisations who are most likely to be successful in pivoting their activity to meet the new situation for the benefit of young people now, and have the best chance of surviving the pandemic and returning to viability for young people in future.
13
27. Paragraph 9 outlines the risk that if we create a fund with a value too low, organisations we have funded may still go on to fail. It may be true that spending too little results in the poorest value for money, although that cannot be known at this stage – it is clear that spending nothing will result in a larger number of closures, where spending some may result in fewer closures.
28. There is a risk that providing a rescue package for this sector could set a precedent for other particularly hard hit areas. Immediate possible examples would be visitor attractions which rely on school groups for business, or mainstream hostels which rely on groups. We are not aware of approaches from such organisations at this stage.
Sustainability
29. The sector bills this as one off, emergency support in this financial year only. This is based on the assumption that the pandemic restrictions will have lifted by next summer and our guidance will be amended to permit residential visits. This clearly cannot be guaranteed.
30. To minimise the risk that the sector returns with a fresh ask in the new year, we intend to support the sector to reorient their provision, including through communicating and networking across local authority and school partners. We will also want to ensure centres were going concerns and well administered prior to Covid by scrutinising balance sheets. There will need to be an appropriate balance struck between ensuring that we are targeting emergency support to those who need it whilst ensuring that we are investing in organisations that stand a good chance of being successful after the pandemic-related issues have passed. Offering business support, as third sector colleagues have done alongside recent grant programmes, could also help minimise the number of organisations who fall into the severest difficulty. Inspiring Scotland have told us a private investor is interested in funding a dedicated Inspiring Scotland advisor to work in this space.
31. We have been working with the sector representatives and Education Scotland to develop a package of non-financial communications support which could be issued to schools, on its own or alongside a funding announcement. This includes materials such as a poster for schools on what can be done by residential centres and their staff during Covid-19 restrictions, a directory of residential centre providers per region, template letters for local authority quality improvement officers to issue to headteachers, and example case studies (from Blairvadach and Outward Bound) on the innovative support that can be provided by centres at this time. We are engaging with DFM Comms team to explore how we can communicate this package to schools, highlighting what they are able to access from centres at the current time.
32. We also plan to have further engagement with local authorities, ADES and COSLA, to advertise the specific forms of support offered by residential providers and their staff and to ask local authorities to stop going beyond the SG guidance in their own guidance to schools. There are particular concerns e.g. about schools in some areas believing they cannot accommodate peripatetic staff in their grounds. For
14
example, in the last week, we have become aware of one local authority which had put a hold on schools accessing any third sector support during the current time, a position which was being challenged by some councillors. There is a patchwork of approaches amongst authorities which may be addressed by a push to share the emerging innovative approaches being taken by some authorities.
Fund structure – initial thinking
33. The outdoor education sector is a mixed economy, with the 36 providers split between the third, private and local authority sectors. 5 local authority 25 third sector 6 private
34. The steer from the sector representatives is that we should focus on the third sector providers, although their funding calculations have been based on the entire sector, including local authority and private providers. It is unlikely that we would be able to exclude private sector providers from bidding, though it should be possible to limit to only third sector and private.
35. For public sector providers, the lost income scheme being developed between SG and COSLA covers council owned arm’s length organisations, along with lost income from sales, fees and charges from other council run services (e.g. car parking charges, school meals). The scheme will not replace every penny of lost income but will pass on in full the consequentials associated with the scheme in England, and can be topped up from a further pot of consequentials SG is making available. This is likely to mean local authorities will be able to offer some support to provide a level of protection for their own centres.
36. Criteria for bids will need to be drawn carefully in order to provide a suitable definition for a third or private sector organisations providing residential-based outdoor education services, subject to advice from SGLD. We will also wish to frame any criteria in order to deliver value for money, ensure a positive impact on educational outcomes for children and a reasonable chance of sustainability for the provider in question.
37. There are two main cost elements for the sector – keeping the buildings ready to be used, and running the operation to take outdoor education to schools on a non- residential basis. We may wish to structure grants as being a base cost for building maintenance, and a variable costs associated with the number of pupils who have an outdoor experience with each organisation. This would help align the financial incentives with outcomes for young people.
Administration of the fund
38. We would recommend that a small portion of the fund be allocated to an organisation who would administer the fund. Outsourcing the administration would help to ensure that bids represent strong value for money, ensure appropriate distance from Ministers in relation to which organisations receive funding and to what level, and would minimise workload implications on the SG policy team.
15
39. We estimate the administration costs would fall beneath the £50,000 limit for competitive tender. This, coupled with the emergency situation, makes it likely that a non-competitive action (NCA) will be possible. Our initial assessment is that YouthLink Scotland would be well placed to administer a fund at pace, building on the existing youth work recovery fund, and early conversations indicate that Inspiring Scotland and Youthlink will be able to work together to link a bid fund programme to business advice.
Further matters
Ministerial powers to issue grant funding
40. SGLD have advised that any funding would be distributed under section 42 of the Standards in Scotland Schools etc Act 2000 – “grants in respect of activities relating to school education”.
State aid considerations
41. The State Aid Team have advised that given the likely amounts involved, the “de minimis” regulation should provide state aid cover in most cases1. The Covid 19 Temporary Framework which could be utilised if any grant recipients will exceed their de minimis limit.
COSLA and ADES views
42. We have been in contact with ADES and COSLA officers on this issue on a regular basis over the past 3 months. While they are aware that Scottish Government has been approached for emergency funding, we have not, as yet, discussed the details of any funding package. We can progress those discussions at pace, while DFM considers this submission. The key issue which they might raise is in relation to ring-fencing any funding for third and private sector organisations only, i.e. excluding local authority centres. We think, however, that there is a strong case for doing so, given that local authorities have their own routes to Covid-19 consequential funds, and given the immediate threat is to third sector organisations.
Current situation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
43. Sector representatives in England and Wales have mounted their own campaign to rescue the centres there, though their campaign has focused more on relaxing the current restrictions on overnight residential stays rather than providing additional financial support. We understand that the Secretary of State in UK government was asked to consider relaxing the guidelines earlier in October, but refused to do so, They will review the situation again at the end of November. We are not aware of any imminent plans by the UK Government to provide ring fenced sector-specific
1 De minimis support is where the European Commission considers that public funding to a single recipient of up to €200,000 over a three-year fiscal period has a negligible impact on trade and competition, and does not require notification.
16
Liz Morrison Sam Anson Andy Drought Malcolm Pentland [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] Alan Armstrong [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] SGLD Education [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] Communications DFM & Education [Redacted] [Redacted]
------
DOCUMENT NO. 4: EMAIL TRAIL BEGINNING 01 OCT 2020, ENDING 01 OCT 2020
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 01 October 2020 16:50 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot Cc: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redacted]
Mr Lochhead has sent the message below following the meeting held at 3.30pm today (note I have also copied in comms colleagues for awareness):
Thank you to colleagues for help with prep.
I do feel the sector have a strong case for support and note their ask of 2.5m to 3m which would enable them to seek match funding and deliver a bespoke package of support for our young people and schools to overcome the impact of Covid.
If there have been barriers to existing schemes, I wonder if we could revisit the budgets as well as any other courses for these schemes to fund the winter support package for outdoor centres.
I also welcome steps SG is taking with local authorities to encourage more use of outdoor education.
18
Given the pressures facing schools, I would have thought that they would welcome the additional support from outdoor centre staff.
My preference would be to announce our decision next week to co-incident with a letter to MSPs who took part in the members debate.
I’d be grateful if a note to go to DFM could be prepared.
RL.
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 01 October 2020 15:17 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot Cc: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redacted],
Mr Lochhead has noted the emails below. He has also commented that he would prefer a note was sent to all who participated in the members debate and not just Liz Smith.
Thanks, [Redacted]
[Redacted]
Mr Lochhead’s preferences can be found here - Ministerial Preferences
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 01 October 2020 15:02 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot >; Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
19
Cc: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Thanks [Redacted] – I’ve sent your email onto Mr Lochhead so hopefully will see ahead of meeting.
[Redacted]
[Redacted]
Mr Lochhead’s preferences can be found here - Ministerial Preferences
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 01 October 2020 14:56 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Thanks [Redacted],
Yes, I seen FMQs and the question from Liz Smith, plus response. The Minister’s meeting with the stakeholders is due to start at 3.30 and so presumably myself and [Redacted] will draft up a letter to Liz Smith on the back of the meeting.
I guess that a fair bit of the content is dependent on how this afternoon’s meeting goes. We will look to draft something up tomorrow.
I’ll be on today’s call with the Minister, as will [Redacted] and [Redacted] Briefing provided yesterday including suggested agenda which I would recommend the Minister use for the meeting. It includes some key questions which he might want to pose to stakeholders.
I suspect that Martin Davidson will be the main contributor from the stakeholders.
[Redacted]
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 01 October 2020 14:53 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot Cc: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
20
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
[Redacted],
Please see email below. Grateful for urgent advice / draft response.
Thanks, [Redacted]
[Redacted]
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of First Minister FMQs Sent: 01 October 2020 14:16 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
PS/ Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science,
During FMQs today, Liz Smith asked when the SG would give a formal response to the Scottish Parliament’s calls to safeguard the future of the outdoor education centres. FM said she would ask the Minister for Further Education to write to member to provide an update on this issue following his meeting with education stakeholders today.
I would be grateful if you could follow up.
Many thanks,
[Redacted]
[Redacted] | First Minister’s Covid Briefing Unit | Scottish Government | 5N.02, St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG | M: [Redacted]
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments.
21
------
DOCUMENT NO. 5: COVERING EMAIL DATED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 AND ACCOMPANYING BRIEFING TO MINISTER FOR FURTHER EDUCATION, HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 30 September 2020 13:46 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redacted],
Please find attached the briefing for the Minister’s meeting with representatives from the outdoor education centre stakeholders, which is scheduled for 3.30pm - 4.30pm tomorrow (Thursday). https://erdm.scotland.gov.uk:8443/documents/A30222122/details
I hope this provides the information that Mr Lochhead requires. There is currently no pre-meet with officials in calendars. This can of course be arranged if Mr Lochhead wishes.
[Redacted] and team in DFM’s office - Copied to DFM as he asked to be kept informed of developments.
[Redacted]
------
ACCOMPANYING BRIEFING (ATTACHED TO 30 SEPT EMAIL)
MINISTER FOR FURTHER EDUCATION, HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENCE – MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES
Date and Time Thursday 1 October 2020 (3.30pm – 4.30pm) of Engagement via Webex) Where WEBEX MEETING DETAILS
22
Meeting number (access code): [Redacted] Meeting password: [Redacted]
Thursday, October 1, 2020 3:30 pm | (UTC+01:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London | 1 hr Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only) [Redacted] United Kingdom Toll Some mobile devices may ask attendees to enter a numeric meetin password.
Join by phone [Redacted] United Kingdom Toll
Key Purpose/ Purpose: To meet representatives from the sector who are concerned Message that large numbers of outdoor education centres will need to close due to Covid-19 restrictions and the absence of additional financial support.
Message: Scottish Government is a firm believer in the positive role of residential outdoor centres. We have taken a number of steps including the development of guidance and access to a number of broader Covid-19 funding streams. We think that there are some further non-financial steps that can be taken to point schools towards what can be done. The financial context is incredibly difficult. DFM and Cabinet Secretary for Finance made clear in August that no additional new money could be found to assist the centres. While our position remains that no additional funding is being made available, we are prepared to hear further details on the financial request. Sensitivities/ There is a high degree of anxiety and concern on the part of the sector Issues that centres will continue to close and at an increasing rate as we enter the autumn/winter period. They have made clear that once the centres close, they will not reopen. They have also pointed out that the staff – with significant expertise – will be lost to education forever.
A campaign to save outdoor education centres (#saveyouroutdoorcentres) has also been established. A related change.org petition has attracted 21,200 signatures as of 1pm on Friday 25 September. https://www.change.org/p/scottish-government-save- scottish-outdoor-centres
Approximately 50 pieces of correspondence have been received on this issue, including letters from Neil Gray MP, Beatrice Wishart MSP, Neil Findlay MSP. Jeremy Balfour MSP, Miles Briggs MSP and Bruce Crawford MSP.
Official Support [Redacted]
Comms N/A
23
Annexes Annex A: Proposed agenda and key discussion points Annex B: Attendees incl. biographies Annex C: #SaveYourOutdoorCentres Campaign Statement – 25.09.2020 Annex D: Issues facing the sector including the most recent statement from the campaign Annex E: The financial “ask” from the sector Annex F: Steps taken by Scottish Government to date and further non- financial steps that we are exploring with COSLA and ADES Annex G: Positive examples – where centres have sustained business during Covid-19
ANNEX A
PROPOSED AGENDA AND KEY DISCUSSION POINTS
Stakeholders have suggested the following agenda:
1. Scene setting: contribution of outdoor education centres [OEC] to Scottish education, society, economy; and current challenges being faced by OECs. – [Redacted] can speak to this point.
2. Clarification of Covid support OECs have been able to access, and barriers OECs have faced. – Katie Docherty can speak to this point.
3. OECs proposed solution, and discussion around how this might be achieved/realised. – Martin Davison can speak to this point.
Key discussion points are likely to be: The financial ask from the sector and whether this can be met (See Annex E): The current budget position within Learning Directorate is that we are facing a significant overspend. We would recommend using this discussion as an opportunity for you to probe the details of their ask but not to confirm a response today. Further non-financial steps that can be taken (See Annex F): We have outlined some ideas in Annex E, in particular the provision of some further practical products (template letters, good practice examples) to local authorities and schools. Covid-19 guidance: Stakeholders may ask if the Covid-19 guidance on overnight stays can be amended or at least a review date be brought forward from current planned date of end Dec. We would advise against making any firm commitment to bring forward the review date. At present, it’s possible that a review in immediate term would lead to even tighter restrictions (e.g. an end to day visits).
Questions which the Minister may wish to put to the stakeholder representatives
To what extent are providers adapting their provision and making a concerted and positive “push” with schools and authorities? We have heard one or two very positive examples, but are other providers doing so?
In relation to the request for funding (Annex E in the briefing pack), can you provide more details on exactly how this will be used, and what amount you are actually
24
seeking from Scottish Government? What reassurance would be have that providers will adapt their provision appropriately?
Are providers taking full advantage of the opportunities provided by Scottish Attainment Challenge and Pupil Equity Funding? Although core budgets are under tremendous pressure in local authorities, the SAC and PEF funds remain as ring- fenced budgets and would appear to be very well-suited to outdoor education.
What are their views on the further non-financial steps that Scottish Government is currently exploring with ADES and COSLA?
ANNEX B
ATTENDEES
Martin Davidson – Scottish Director, The Outward Bound Trust and Chair, YouthLink Scotland Outdoor Learning Group
Martin was appointed Director (Scotland and Innovation) with The Outward Bound Trust in January 2011. Between 2011 and 2019 he was also a trustee of Glasgow Watersports (Pinkston Watersports Centre).
Martin gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education from Heriot-Watt University in 1997.
Sensitivities: in his capacity as Director of The Outward Bound Trust, Martin has written to DFM on at least three separate occasions regarding the challenges faced by the outdoor education centre in light of Covid-19.
Neil Wightwick – Chair, The Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centre (AHEOC)
Neil has been General Manager of Outdoor Education (Education Services) at Glasgow City Council since 2011, and is responsible for Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre. Since 2015 Neil has also been Chairman of AHEOC. He is a part-time lecturer in outdoor education at the Scottish Rural University College and is also a SAPOE board member.
During the past 15 years Neil has achieved some notable feats: Completed an unsupported row across the Atlantic in 49 days, 22 hours and 16 minutes Finished 12th in the Kalahari Extreme Marathon, which involved running 7 marathons in 6 days across the Kalahari desert.
Sensitivities: in his capacity as Chairman of AHEOC, Neil has written to FM on at least two separate occasions regarding the challenges faced by the outdoor education centre in light of Covid- 19.
Katie Docherty – Chief Executive, Scouts Scotland
25
Katie has been Chief Exec. of Scouts Scotland since May 2016 and is currently a trustee of the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations.
Before joining Scouts Scotland Katie was the Head of Charity Services for Age Scotland, leading a number of teams including Policy, Communications and Fundraising.
Katie is also an Assistant Beaver Scout Leader, a Panel Member for Children’s Hearings Scotland and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts.
Sensitivities: In May 2020 Katie wrote to Aileen Campbell stating that a perceived continued lack of support for youth work, community learning & development and the uniformed organisations will lead to their demise.
Subsequently in June 2020, Katie wrote a further email to DFM, Aileen Campbell and Maree Todd, providing an update on the financial situation being faced by Scouts Scotland. This email alleged a lack of engagement from the Scottish Government despite Scouts Scotland being invited to and participating in a meeting with Learning Directorate officials and other outdoor education providers.
ANNEX C #SaveYourOutdoorCentres Campaign Statement – 25.09.2020 We are delighted that a debate took place earlier this week in the Scottish Parliament, led by Liz Smith MSP on the future of outdoor education centres in Scotland, and were humbled by the support shown for the residential centres by MSPs from all parties.
However, we feel it important to make sure that the record accurately reflects the current challenges being faced by these centres.
Whilst the Scottish and Westminster Governments have provided funding in certain areas, which is welcomed, this funding does not address the biggest challenge of all, keeping these amazing centres open. These centres are a resource which is evidenced to help to close the attainment gap, develop resilience, confidence and life skills, improve wellbeing, physical and mental health in Scotland’s children and young people. Normally we provide these experiences for 105,000 children every year.
The issues we continue to face: Day Visits
The Scottish Government provided a small amount of funding for the production guidance on Day Visits for schools to outdoor centres. The sector was involved in the process and this guidance is welcomed. However this is not a solution to the challenges outdoor education centres face because:
Often the rurality of centres means day visits to centres are not practical Day visits are a very different funding proposition and parents and schools simply do not have the funding to cover the costs at this time.
26
Working with schools
It is worth noting that in addition to day visits to centres, it is possible for centres to send staff into schools to compliment and help deliver meaningful outdoor learning that absolutely meets the needs of young people as we exit lockdown and we try to get education recovery right. There is significant interest from schools for this, and providers are being innovative in thinking about how to make it happen. The bit of the jigsaw that is missing is funding and this is what the campaign is asking the Scottish Government to support. The sector can meet the needs of young people now, indeed the needs the Scottish Government itself has highlighted as a priority. The end of the furlough scheme
Organisations have accessed the furlough scheme but the furlough scheme comes to an end in a matter of weeks at the end of October. With no ability to generate income a cliff edge is approaching and providers are in redundancy consultations with staff. Without a solution much of the expertise will be lost from the sector and centres will close. It is predicted that we will lose 50% of the 36 centres we have in Scotland by mid 2021, with more to follow. Unfortunately the new funding scheme announced by Westminster for the retention of jobs on 24.09.2020 will still not solve the problems being faced by the outdoor centres, as this scheme will only make a marginal difference to the overall costs of staffing. Third Sector Resilience Fund, Youth Work Education Recovery Fund, Loans
While 70% of residential outdoor centres are part of the third sector only a small number have been able to access money from the third sector resilience fund, the fund was only available to those who had little or no reserves at the start of this crisis. Those reserves are now long gone. For those who were able to access the fund, that money has now been spent, the funding was emergency funding, not long term funding.
The Scottish Government has put in place £3m for Youthwork Education Recovery Fund, a step that we welcome. This fund is open to outdoor providers, however, the maximum grant available is £60k, and this simply is not enough to help us retain the residential outdoor centres until mid-2021.
Loans have been available to many businesses to sustain their cashflow in the short term, but businesses need to be able pay back the loan before they can apply for one. As we cannot predict our income for the next six weeks, never mind the next six months, many outdoor education centres are not in a position to apply for a loan in the current circumstances.
Unlike other sectors which are not able to operate normally there has been no support package available to Outdoor Residential Centres. Centres have already begun to close, and this will accelerate when the furlough scheme ends next month with 50% of Scotland’s 36 Centres likely to close and half of our 600 employees at risk of redundancy in the coming months. Without a support package these Outdoor Education Centres will be lost forever.
When we say forever, we actually mean forever. There is a history of outdoor centres being closed with no opportunity for community buy out or similar, the buildings then being demolished or used for housing, or the land sold for redevelopment. This means that literally hundreds of thousands of young people will not be able to access the residential outdoor experience that was identified by all MSPs as being so important for Scottish children and young people, and is a core part of the fabric of Scottish education.
We cannot emphasise enough the urgency of our situation. We ask for a meeting between the outdoor centres and Mr Swinney to take place as quickly as possible, to allow a full and frank
27 conversation to take place and to allow greater understanding of the position of the centres and the Scottish Government.
If we wait any longer, there will be no way back to the provision that we currently have for young people.
ANNEX D
ISSUES FACING THE SECTOR
1. Outdoor education centres have experienced a loss of income since March 2020. School groups, which provide the majority of income, were unable to visit during the period of school closures. Since the reopening of schools, overnight residentials – the main source of income for centres – have not been permitted. In August 2020, the Coronavirus (COVID- 19) Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues considered the appropriateness of school visits in the 2020/21 academic year. They concluded that school residential “overnight stay” visits carried an increased risk of virus transmission. The Scottish Government guidance therefore advises against overnight stays until at least the new year. Risk assessed day visits are permitted, as are arrangements whereby outdoor education staff can provide learning experiences in and around school grounds. This is the same position re. guidance as in the other UK nations. The Scottish Government informed all schools in Scotland of this advice on 14 August 2020.
2. Survey work undertaken by the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education (SAPOE) shows that while there are some examples of local authorities proceeding in line with the guidance, some are taking a more restrictive approach, advising now against all residential stays throughout 2020/21. It appears too that nearly 50% of local authorities are not allowing day visits involving transport.
3. At the end of August 2020 SAPOE surveyed its 32 local authority representatives with regard to school visit policies. Twenty responses were collected. The data indicates that while large numbers of authorities are allowing playground based and local area outdoor learning, only half may be allowing day visits involving school transport and only 1/5 have issued specific local guidance on when new residential visits can be planned or booked. SAPOE has advised that this reluctance to book any overnight visits creates a major challenge for residential centres if the current situation continues. Anecdotally, it appears that a number of local authorities are not permitting outdoor centre staff to work in schools on a peripatetic basis. SAPOE’s position is that all of these factors mean that the current guidance allowing “day visits” is not sufficient in helping to address the challenges outdoor centres face.
4. The UK Government’s furlough scheme and other funds such as the Scottish Government’s Third Sector Resilience Fund have provided some level of support but this has not been sufficient to meet running costs for even temporarily closed centres.
5. Some centres have already either closed permanently or made significant redundancies because of the prospect that they will not see an increase in visitors until next year.
6. SAPOE’s position is that if changes are not forthcoming, further centres will close during the autumn. They argue that these closures will be permanent, with the centres lost to Scottish education forever. They point out that there would be a further impact on expertise within the workforce. SAPOE argues that outdoor education in particular requires highly qualified and experienced staff, and once these staff are lost to other sectors they will be very difficult to replace.
28
7. A detailed summary of the specific threats that face the sector, including to jobs and number of centres at threat of closure, has been provided by sector representatives below:
THE POTENTIAL THREAT TO THE OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES
Data derived from surveys compiled by the sector between 7-16 September 2020. Provided by Neil Wightwick, Scotland Chair Association Heads of Outdoor Education Centres 17 September 2020
Overview
Total Number of Workforce Number of Individual Number of Individuals Centres Teaching Days Each accessing the services Year 36 605 420,000* 146,000* (~105,000 school pupils) *2018-2019 Data. These figures are indicative of the number of young people missing out on vital experiences this year and going forward if centres close.
Number of centres to close as a result of Covid
Note to Minister (from Learning Directorate): the following are cumulative estimates from SAPOE, i.e. by start of Jan 2021 a total of 5-7 may have closed, by start of April 2021 a total of 8-16 may have closed.
By Start of Nov 2020 By Start of Jan 2021 By Start of April 2021 By Start of Aug 2021 3 Between 5 & 7* Between 8 & 16* Between 17 & 25* *Date derived from survey
Number of employees to be made redundant
Note to Minister (from Learning Directorate): Again, these are cumulative estimates from SAPOE.
By Start of Nov 2020 By Start of Jan 2021 By Start of April 2021 By Start of Aug 2021 155* 188* 223* 349* *Based on confirmed plans to close
Specific issues facing uniformed organisations. e.g. Scouts Scotland
Background to the uniform groups and similar organisations
Scouts Scotland, Girlguiding Scotland and the Boys’ Brigade (collectively known as the uniformed groups) all undertake activities at both local and national levels. At the local level the uniformed groups are active in communities by forming and promoting recognisable youth groups such as Scout Troops, while at the national level all of the uniformed groups have run residential outdoor education centres. These centres tend to be situated in remote and rural locations and provide group members and young people from wider society with immersive and fun outdoor adventure and educational activities.
29
By offering this breadth of services, the uniformed groups operate across two different sectors – community youth work and outdoor education. The sections below therefore consider the financial impact on the pandemic across both sectors.
The financial consequences of the pandemic on youth work
At the end of March, YouthLink Scotland surveyed the nation’s Youth Work Sector Leaders on the effects of Covid-19 and their immediate response to the pandemic. The respondents to the survey represented youth work organisations and services across the country, both voluntary and statutory, including all 32 local authorities. By their estimations, Scotland’s National Voluntary Youth Work organisations are facing an income loss of at least £20.5 million this year due to Covid-19. In addition, 70% of the whole sector believes there will also be significant cuts to youth work budgets and services post Covid-19. The report cites:
Funding priorities post-Covid-19 may not include youth work as budgets are stretched further, despite the role of youth workers being critical as more young people will require mental health support and a trusted adult. Losing valuable momentum with isolated and vulnerable young people, will take a lot of resource to gain back ground. Many organisations could now close as their sustainability was already precarious, with services already affected by cuts over the last few years.
With services unable to run groups for which they would collect fees, fundraise, and open buildings they may rely on for income, on top of a sector highly dependent on grant funding and having suffered in a local authority context due to austerity, the sector reports fears for their sustainability.
The financial consequences of the pandemic on the running of outdoor education centres
At the start of the pandemic all of the uniformed groups oversaw centrally operated residential outdoor education centres. These centres are heavily reliant on income generated by visiting school groups, and school closures in March 2020 saw all bookings for the summer cancelled.
In May 2020, Scottish Government officials met a group of organisations who run outdoor education centres. That included representatives from all three uniformed groups. Following that meeting a number of organisations provided detailed financial information relating to the running of their centres and the financial challenges emerging from the pandemic.
[Redacted: Section 33 (1) (b) FOISA].
SUMMARY OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES ACROSS SCOTLAND
Note to Minister: The following has been provided by SAPOE to Scottish Government officials. As far as we are aware, this has not been shared with MSPs.
Outdoor Education Number Centres Location Sector status Owned/operated by of beds Blaivadach Helensburgh Public Glasgow City Council 74 Alltnacriche Aviemore 3rd sector Scripture Union of Scotland 58 Lendrickmuir Kinross 3rd sector Scripture Union of Scotland 163 Gowanbank Darvel 3rd sector Scripture Union of Scotland 45
30
Outdoor Education Number Centres Location Sector status Owned/operated by of beds Loch Eil Outward Bound Fort William 3rd sector Outward Bound Trust 140 Abernethy Nethy Bridge Nethy Bridge 3rd sector Abernethy Trust 83 Abernethy Barcaple Dumfries 3rd sector Abernethy Trust 69 Lochranza Community Interest Lochranza Centre Arran 3rd sector Company 100 Benmore Dunoon Public City of Edinburgh Council 123 Lagganlia Kincraig Public City of Edinburgh Council 150 FSC Millport Cumbrae 3rd sector Field Studies Council 140 Ardmay Arrochar Private Privately owned 55 Ardentinny By Dunoon 3rd sector Actual Reality Trust 130 Scottish Outdoor Education SOEC Dounans Aberfoyle 3rd sector Centres 156 Scottish Outdoor Education SOEC Belmont Meigle 3rd sector Centres 201 Scottish Outdoor Education SOEC Broomlee West Linton 3rd sector Centres 136 Arran Centre Lamlash Public North Ayrshire Council 42 Ardroy Centre Lochgoilhead 3rd sector Ardroy Trust 70 Whithaugh Hall Newcastleton 3rd sector Rock UK 180 Fordell Firs Dunfermline 3rd sector Scout Scotland 67 Meggernie Glen Lyon 3rd sector Scout Scotland 24 Lochgoilhead Centre Lochgoilhead 3rd sector Scout Scotland 150 Auchengillan Blanefield 3rd sector Clyde Scouts 150 Wiston Lodge By Abington 3rd sector Wiston Lodge Trust 48 Manor Adventure Locherbie Private Globebrow Ltd 240 PGL Dalguise Dunkeld Private HB Education Ltd 200 Columba 1400 Staffin Skye 3rd sector Columba 1400 22 Columba 1400 Quirang Skye 3rd sector Columba 1400 14 Cromdale Granton-on-Spey 3rd sector Sport Aberdeen 36 Craigower Lodge Newtonmore Private Active Outdoor Pursuits 70 Dolphin House Culzean Castle Public South Ayrshire Council 35 Ocean Youth Trust West coast yachts 3rd sector Ocean Youth Trust Scotland 36 Venture Trust Stirling 3rd sector Venture Trust 24 Loch Insh Watersports Centre Kincraig Private Loch Insh 100 Camus Mull 3rd sector Iona Community 25 Ridgeway Kinlochbervie Private Ridgeway Family 25
Closed in 2020
31
ANNEX E
THE FINANCIAL ASK FROM THE SECTOR
There are a range of centres in Scotland, some in house local authority services, most are third sector providers. The third sector providers tend to draw their funding from: Donations from benefactors Parental financial contributions towards overnight stays School or LA funding, for instance from Scottish Attainment Challenge or Pupil Equity Funding
Earlier this year, and in light of a continued prohibition on school residential visits, the Deputy First Minister asked for advice from Learning Directorate officials on the development of a support fund for residential providers during the autumn term. It was calculated that a fund of £5.5m would be required to support just half of centres in Scotland until January. However, this further proposal was declined on the basis of affordability.
Representatives from the sector have developed the following information on the overall funding that would be required to sustain the sector through the crisis.
NOTE: Stakeholders have stated that Scottish Government would only need to fund a proportion of the below, in order that the providers can seek wider funding sources from schools/LAs, from donations and other potential sources.
33 a) Funding required to support sector to retain staff and facilities to benefit future generations
This is to cover fixed costs plus maintenance of the staff team. This stops organisations going out of business.
Until Start of Jan 2021 Until Start of April 2021 Until Start of August 2021 £2,053,709.05 £4,457,667.79 £7,923,812.21
b) Additional funding required to enable the workforce to deliver outdoor learning as part of the Education Recovery in local schools and community – this is additional funding to deploy staff into schools and to host day visit
Until Start of Jan 2021 Until Start of April 2021 Until Start of August 2021 £229,698.95* £699,517.89* £1,242,720.00*
TOTAL FUNDING REQUIRED Until Start of Jan 2021 Until Start of April 2021 Until Start of August 2021 £2,283,408.00 £5,157,185.68 £9,166,532.21
As stated above., the stakeholders have stated that Scottish Government would only need to fund a proportion of the above, in order that the providers can then seek wider funding sources from schools/LAs, from donations and other potential sources. The stakeholders have stressed that any central funding would only be a short term measure while the covid-19 restrictions are in place. They say that the main challenge at present is the parental contribution, where parents are (understandably) reluctant to pay for day trips or to contribute towards instructors coming into school grounds. Any central government contribution would be to essentially “plug” the contribution that parents would usually make. The government would need to provide seed funding – ie a portion of the above – in order that the providers can seek further funding sources from large donations, from charges to parents and from charges from schools/LAs (e.g. SAC/PEF). It would therefore be a government backed investment in sustaining the sector; but would need to rely on the providers themselves to raise the remaining funding, and for the schools/LAs to engage more positively in relation to day visits and staff from the sector working in and around school grounds. The stakeholders have not, as yet, confirmed how much they would like to seek from Scottish Government.
For illustrative purposes only, if Scottish Government were to fund 1/3 of the funding that stakeholders have said that they need overall, it would mean the following amounts of funding from Scottish Government:
Until Start of Jan Until Start of April Until Start of August 2021 2021 2021 £761,136 £1,719,062 £3,055,511
[Redacted: Out of Scope for this release].
34
Our position to date has been that no further financial support is possible beyond the broader funding pots that have been made available for organisations to bid into (e.g. Third Sector Resilience Fund, the new Youth work £3m fund).
Suggested lines to take: Budget positon remains incredibly difficult and cannot commit to funding today Will take these more detailed proposals away and will examine them in more detail.
ANNEX E
STEPS TAKEN BY SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO DATE/FURTHER NON-FINANCIAL STEPS THAT WE ARE EXPLORING
Steps taken to support the sector
We commissioned the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education to develop comprehensive guidance for schools and local authorities on day visits to outdoor education centres. This guidance was published on 14 August 2020.
We facilitated links between outdoor education centres and education authorities. This included facilitating a meeting on 7 July 2020 between representatives of outdoor education centres and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland to share the options available to schools to make use of outdoor education centres and their staff.
We continue to support YouthLink Scotland to offer assistance and guidance to outdoor learning providers in respect of their youth work offer. This has included YouthLink sharing an ‘outdoor learning offer’ with schools across Scotland. Since May 2020 youth work providers offering outdoor learning have received just under £250k (£245,452.00) through the National Voluntary Youth Work Organisations Support Fund,
The new Youth Work Education Recovery Fund, launched for proposals in September 2020 includes a key objective on outdoor learning. Funding awards of £20,000-£60,000 are available, with the aim of strengthening youth work and schools partnerships, increasing access to outdoor learning opportunities.
Many organisations that run outdoor education centres are from the Third Sector and have therefore been able to apply for support through our £25m Third Sector Resilience Fund. Organisations representing outdoor education providers have accessed a total of £172,438 from the fund.
Outdoor education centres can access financial support through the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
We have alerted outdoor education centres to the fact that Social Investment Scotland has up to £5m available in fully flexible, 0% interest loans starting at £50,000.
Further steps that we are exploring
Learning Directorate officials meet representatives from the outdoor learning sector on a weekly basis. On the back of the Parliamentary debate, we met with officials from COSLA and ADES on 30 September.
35
We are exploring a further package of practical and communications materials that could be assembled by Learning Directorate and Education Scotland: The ADES Resources Committee are distributing a questionnaire to all local authorities in order to gather data on cancellations; bookings and planning; refunds; and good practice. This will support the review of the school trips guidance, and the sharing of information on successful approaches to refunds and trips. A template letter on the potential services offered by outdoor education centres, which would be distributed to local authority improvement officers to share with their local schools. This would contain a list of activities that can take place as well as further contact details for advice and support in their local area. Some sharp, succinct good practice examples of peripatetic support by outdoor centre staff in schools grounds, day visits and other examples of good practice. SAPOE have already developed a short two-page summary.
ANNEX F
Positive examples – i.e. where centres have sustained business during Covid-19
EXAMPLE 1- BLAIRVADACH
Once all residential visits were cancelled Blairvadach (an in-house service within Glasgow City Council) recognised the possibilities for outdoor learning to play a strong role in the education recovery programme and initially supporting the hub schools in getting young people outdoors.
We quickly repurposed our team to:
1. Deliver outdoor learning in the ‘Hub Schools’ to the children of key workers and most vulnerable
2. Developed an online outdoor learning programme which was used as a home learning resource. Initially this was aimed at this young people from Glasgow Schools who were missing out on the residential was quickly picked up by many teachers as a resource they could incorporate into their home learning: https://www.blairvadach.org.uk/Pages/View/22 To date we have had over 30,000 downloads of this resource
3. Lockdown allowed for the instructors to build resources for schools for when they returned, this involved creating orienteering maps for all school grounds and a resource pack for teachers. https://www.blairvadach.org.uk/Pages/View/23
4. The centre created an online course to assist teacher who were new to taking their learning outdoors. This course is an online module which gives practical advice for taking the curriculum outdoors and how to operate in a COVID safe way. A video of this course can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/q2gtKmwzqPc Shortly after this course was delivered SAPOE launched their online Taking learning Outdoors.
5. Once the summer holidays started we teamed up with Glasgow City Council Social Work and deployed the instructional team to work with those young people in the care system. This facilitated getting young people out of their normal environment, to work on a Personal and Social Development Programme using different outdoor activities as the vehicle. This programme proved hugely successful for the mental wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable young people in society. This programme will be launched again for the October break.
36
6. In August when we heard that residential visit would be prohibited for the near future we redesigned our residential experience to be part of the Education Recovery for the city council. Those schools booked for a residential experience now receive a week long blended outdoor education experience based in their school, local park and two days at the outdoor education centre. This progressive course focuses on resilience, team work and behaviour as part of GCCs Education Recovery Programme.
7. As part of the on-going support for increasing the use of outdoor space for our schools we created a ’30 Day Outdoor Learning Challenge’ which we are currently in week 3 of. This resource is aimed at Glasgow Schools but is open to all online. Each day, for 30 days a new curriculum based outdoor learning challenge is released alongside a resource card and video. There are currently hundreds of schools accessing the resource to enhance the in school learning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ediRQiKsc 8
8. In addition we have instructors embedded in schools assisting with taking learning outdoors, in the playground and local parks. We also operate a site within Glasgow which delivers week long John Muir Award programmes focussing on conservation and environmental studies through the vehicle of water sports.
The main thread of our service over this time has been:
1. Supporting the Glasgow Schools to enhance their ability to take their learning outdoors 2. Support teachers with training on how to take learning outdoors 3. Direct delivery by our instructors as part of the Glasgow City Council Education Recovery Programme
Blairvadach, despite being part of the local authority, charges for all of its services to Glasgow schools. The demand for the service far outstrips our ability to supply (even in the COVID crisis) and each facility is full. We have operated throughout the COVID-19 crisis within the guidance to support the young people of Glasgow. Glasgow City Council is fortunate to have this resource embedded within its Education Services and we have managed to react quickly to offer support. The outdoor sector’s request for financial support in return for getting their expertise into local schools is certainly a model which we know works.
EXAMPLE 2 – FROM THE OUTWARD BOUND CENTRE – BASED IN STIRLING, PROVIDES SUPPORT TO SCHOOLS ACROSS SCOTLAND
Outward Bound in Stirling has a relationship with about 120 schools in Scotland.
Outward Bound brought staff out of furlough using their own funding. They approached schools in June and tested the concept with them, developed some interest from schools then raised money from donors.
Eight staff are currently deployed into four schools in Lochaber. This work is “fully funded” via donors and is not paid for by the schools. This is often the way it normally happens with normal school residentials. Relationships are developed between school and the outdoor education centre. Sometimes, local authorities will do this but it’s less common. If young people can afford to pay course fee, they pay for it themselves. Outward Bound is also funded by wealth donations to cover bursaries for those who cannot pay themselves.
37
The demand is coming from the schools, but without some funding to cover costs, it won’t happen in other parts of Scotland.
In relation to “universal” offers….When the schools pay for residentials, there is often a parental contribution and then sometimes the school will use SAC and PEF money.
When the experience is targeted on, say 10-12 children, then it will be fully funded by SAC/PEF and perhaps some donation funding, with no parental contribution.
------
DOCUMENT NO. 6: COVERING EMAIL AND ATTACHED BRIEFING – 07 OCTOBER 2020
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 07 October 2020 14:35 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot Cc: [email protected]; Pentland MK (Malcolm)
[Redacted],
Briefing attached.
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot
38
Sent: 07 October 2020 10:51 To: Economy Covid-19 Hub
Hi Econ Hub,
Can you help? Mr Ewing and Ms Forbes will need to answer these in a meeting tomorrow with cairngorms business partnership. Did you happen to have an education contact that could help? We need these answers by 3pm today unfortunately.
What routes are available to outdoor centres to demonstrate they can open safely for school children and be considered as part of the school estate?
If this cannot be achieved what support is available to ensure the survival of the sector?
What budgeted spend can government departments commit to make to businesses within the outdoor education sector?
[Redacted] ------
ACCOMPANYING BRIEFING
ISSUE: Outdoor education centres are campaigning for funding to save the sector. The Covid-19 restrictions on overnight residential stays, coupled with some local authorities going beyond current guidance, is having a major effect on their income. Several media reports in recent days have stated that large numbers of centres will be “lost forever” if they do not receive government funding. An online petition (#saveyouroutdoorcentres) had recorded 22,320 signatures as of 12:25pm, Wed 07 October. BACKGROUND: Representatives from outdoor education providers (incl. Outward Bound Trust and Scouts Scotland) met with Richard Lochhead on Thursday 01 October. They set out the threat to the sector and their request for short-term additional funding from Scottish Government (£2.5-3m). This funding would be used to prevent centres from closing and to support day visits and peripatetic support by centre staff in and around school grounds. The DFM is currently considering whether to pursue this in principle, before going through the formal Accountable Officer process. Mr Lochhead has made a commitment to write to MSPs and stakeholders when a decision has been made.
BRIEFING ON QUESTIONS FROM CAIRNGORMS BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
What routes are available to outdoor centres to demonstrate they can open safely for school children and be considered as part of the school estate?
The appropriateness of all school visits was considered by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues in August 2020. That group concluded that there was a higher risk of virus transmission during school visits that include an overnight stay. Overnight visits are therefore not advisable. The Covid-19 restrictions are under ongoing review and officials will continue to liaise with representatives from the sector.
39
Risk assessed school day visits are allowable. In addition, we are aware of innovative work by some centres and schools, whereby centre staff work on a peripatetic basis to support outdoor learning in and around school grounds.
It is the responsibility of individual schools, sometimes with the assistance and oversight of the local authority, to arrange visits to outdoor centres. The onus is on local authorities to support schools to pursue day visits and options for outdoor staff to provide peripatetic support in school grounds. Scottish Government / Education Scotland can of course assist in clarifying what can be done, and we are working on some further steps on this aspect (see below) Representatives from providers met with Richard Lochhead MSP on 01 October. The focus of discussion was their bid for additional emergency financial support. Ministers are considering this proposal.
SG is pursuing non-financial support measures with Education Scotland, in particular: developing a suite of practical products for local authorities and schools, to advertise what can be done, share examples from around Scotland and provide products such as template letters for authorities to issue to headteachers, attaching contact details for outdoor centres in their region. [Note to Ministers: We are waiting for a Ministerial decision on the funding before issuing the package.] Scottish Government officials continue to liaise with representatives from the Association of Directors of Education to flag up the threat to the sector and to encourage them to encourage schools to link in with their local centres. Information is currently being gathered via the ADES Resourced Network on school trips during Covid – 19, i.e. on cancellations; bookings and planning; refunds; and good practice. This will support a review of the school trips guidance, and the sharing of information on successful approaches to refunds and trips. The challenges for the sector – and the opportunities for schools to engage with local centres – will be flagged again to ADES directors at their meeting on Friday 09 October.
QUESTION: If this cannot be achieved what support is available to ensure the survival of the sector?
Already this year: Scottish Government funded the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education (SAPOE) to develop comprehensive guidance for schools and local authorities on day visits. Third sector outdoor education centres were able to apply for support through our £25m Third Sector Resilience Fund. Organisations representing outdoor education providers accessed a total of £172,438 from the fund. Since May 2020, youth work providers offering outdoor learning have received just under £250k (£245,452.00) through the National Voluntary Youth Work Organisations Support Fund. Community Learning Partnerships can now make applications to the new £3m youth work Covid-19 recovery fund - closing date for applications is 14th October 2020.
The sector’s view is that the above is not sufficient due to thresholds for applications and the fact that funding is, inevitably, spread thinly.
SUGGESTED LINES
40
As stated above, Scottish Government is working with Education Scotland to develop practical products to share with local authorities and headteachers, providing examples of what can be done under current Covid-19 restrictions.
Richard Lochhead MSP met representatives from outdoor education providers on 01 October to discuss their request for dedicated emergency funding, which ministers are currently considering.
What budgeted spend can government departments commit to make to businesses within the outdoor education sector?
The majority of providers are third sector organisations, some are local authority “in house” centres and a small proportion of outdoor centres are private businesses.
Centres (third sector or private) draw income from: 1. Donations from benefactors 2. Fees paid by the local authority and/or school, for instance using Pupil Equity Funding or core education budgets 3. Parental contributions.
We are aware that parental contributions are proving to be less forthcoming when the offer is a day visit rather than an overnight stay. As above, Richard Lochhead MSP met with representatives from outdoor education providers on 01 October to discuss their request for dedicated emergency funding to cover the gap in parental contributions. Ministers are considering this request.
POLICY CONTACTS – SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT LEARNING DIRECTORATE
[REDACTED]
------
DOCUMENT NO. 7: EMAIL TRAIL AND ACCOMPANYING LETTER ENDING 14 OCTOBER 2020
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 14 October 2020 10:48 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot >; Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Hi [Insert],
41
This letter has now been cleared and issued – I have attached a signed copy for your records.
Many thanks, [Insert]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 14 October 2020 10:22 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redacted],
Updated letter attached.
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 14 October 2020 09:17 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot >; Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Subject: RE: Update on outdoor education centres
Hi [Redacted],
Mr Lochhead has asked if you can please take out the reference to the Liz Smith letter and say that we hope to be in touch again next week with a further update.
Grateful for updated draft – I will try to get the letter issued asap.
Many thanks, [Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 13 October 2020 16:01
42
To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redacted],
Draft letter to Alison Johnstone, for the Minister’s consideration.
List of emails for the various MSP co-signatories below (Mr Lochhead indicated that he would wish to copy his letter to all of them).
COPY: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 13 October 2020 09:05 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Hi [Redacted]
43
Thanks for your email – Mr Lochhead agrees we should reply to the cross party letter along the following lines:
Discussions with the sector have intensified etc Will appreciate enormous pressures on public finances Nevertheless we are exploring how we can be of practical help to assist this important sector Ministers will undertake to get back to you next week at the latest.
Many thanks, [Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 12 October 2020 17:09 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Hi [Redacted]
Mr Lochhead will want to be aware that the issue of funding for outdoor education centres came up in a finance discussion with DFM on Friday. Mr Swinney has asked officials to come back with further advice which provides detail on the options for how funding could be made available, possible sources of finance, and the vfm and sustainability of any decision to provide funds – recognising that it may not be possible to reach the sector’s total ask of £2.5-3m. We are therefore undertaking policy analysis work this week with a view to providing informed advice and recommendations for DFM’s return from leave.
Mr Lochhead wrote to Liz Smith MSP last week, following his commitment during the debate and the discussion at FMQs. He has since received a letter from Alison Johnstone MSP signed by a number of other MSPs. (We have also received two FOI requests over the weekend, to indicate the level of interest there continues to be.) We could provide a draft response this week that just states Ministers are considering the proposal from the sector, along the lines of the note which has already gone to Liz Smith, or equally we could hold off until next week to see if a way of offering funding be reached, if Mr Lochhead would prefer. Grateful for a steer.
Thanks and very happy to discuss
[Redacted]
------
44
------
DOCUMENT NO. 8: EMAIL TRAIL BEGINNING 21 AUGUST 2020, ENDING 03 SEPTEMBER 2020
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Sent: 03 September 2020 08:08 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot >; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Morning [Redacted]
Apologies for the delay in getting a response to you on this one. DFM is afraid he is not going to be able to provide financial support in this area.
Many thanks
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 25 August 2020 14:54 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
46
Communities and Local Government
PS/Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills,
Apologies for chasing but do you know if Mr Swinney has had a chance to consider this submission as well as Ms Forbes’ views?
We continue to receive correspondence from residential providers highlighting that they are now at risk of permanent closure in the light of advice against school residentials. It would be helpful to have Mr Swinney’s view on the submission to be able to inform our responses and help providers plan going forward.
Thanks
[Redacted]
[REDACTED]|Learning Directorate|The Scottish Government
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot > On Behalf Of Cabinet Secretary for Finance Sent: 21 August 2020 18:22 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
47
[Redacted: Section 29 of FOISA]
------
DOCUMENT NO. 9: EMAIL TRAIL – MEDIA INQUIRY 14 OCT 2020
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 14 October 2020 13:12 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
The Minister has cleared direct to me (response attached) – I’ll issue now. [Redacted]
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 14 October 2020 12:46 To: '[email protected]'
48
[Redacted]@gov.scot >; Morrison E (Elizabeth) (Education Scotland)
Minister, CC: DFMPO + Minister for Further and Higher Education and Science PO for awareness,
The P&J seeks our response to the below news release and letter signed by cross- part MPs calling on SG to immediately provide £3m funding to support outdoor centres and prevent them from closure.
Comms, SpAds, and officials have agreed the below updates to our lines – grateful for clearance to issue:
SG LINE A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Outdoor learning is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum and we are fully committed to supporting outdoor education providers
“The Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science wrote to MSPs this week to provide an update on the intensive work taking place, following meetings with representatives of the sector to discuss their concerns and their request for funding, and will provide a further update to MSPs as soon as possible.
“The Scottish Government has taken a number of steps to support the work of outdoor centres during the pandemic. Outdoor centres have been able to apply to broader support funds such as the Third Sector Resilience Fund and the new Youth Work Education Recovery Fund which will provide funding awards of £20,000-£60,000 to partnership bids.
“We worked with the Scottish Advisory Panel on Outdoor Education (SAPOE) to develop comprehensive guidance for schools and local authorities on the positive role that they can play in children’s education and facilitated links between outdoor education centres and local authority partners to encourage and support the use of outdoor centres and their staff.”
BACKGROUND SAPOE - Outdoor Education Centres Fit for the Future: the Educational Value of Scotland’s Outdoor Education Centres: https://www.sapoe.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2020/08/OEC-Fit-for-the-Future-Final-Version-1.1.pdf
49
Guidance for School Visits and Trips: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-school- visits-and-trips/
We continuously keep all coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance under review, including this guidance on school visits. It is not possible to set out the exact date on which the guidance will be reviewed, as this will depend on the progress of the pandemic and the trajectory of virus transmission in Scotland between now and the new year.
Youth Work Education Recovery Fund https://www.youthlinkscotland.org/media/5173/youth-work-education- recovery-fund-guidance-for-applicants.pdf ENDS
RELEASE Press Release for Immediate Use
Save Scotland’s Outdoor Centres gains cross party MSP support
MSPs from all parties in Scotland have called for immediate and urgent financial support for the outdoor centres in Scotland and have written to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister asking that they provide the £3 million funding necessary to keep the outdoor centres open for the next 6 months.
Every year 105,000 young people get the chance to head off on a school camp or residential trip, however these are not allowed under current COVID- 19 restrictions. Currently schools are only able to take part in peripatetic activities delivered on site, or day trips to nearby outdoor centres depending on local authority guidance. However outdoor centres rely on the income from residential trips and it is predicted that without emergency financial support then 50% of Scotland’s residential centres will close by mid 2021.
Closures have already been announced by both Girlguiding Scotland (Nertherurd House), and Abernethy Trust (Ardeonaig and Ardgour), with more to follow and shut down permanently before Christmas.
Liz Smith MSP said:
“It is abundantly clear that this has become an extremely urgent matter which is why there is cross party agreement for this letter to be sent with immediate effect. It follows extensive engagement with the sector after my Member’s Debate on 22nd September.
We cannot allow outdoor education centres to close. They are needed more now than ever before and l hope the Scottish Government will act now to secure their future. Too many young lives depend on this especially many of
50 our more disadvantaged communities for whom outdoor education is a life- changing experience.”
Martin Davidson, Director – Scotland and Innovation, The Outward Bound Trust said:
The support from many MSPs from all parties, from over 22,500 petition signatories, and from many in civic society demonstrates how outdoor education centres significant improve and transform the lives of young people. With the furlough scheme ending in a matter of weeks many outdoor centres will close forever, denying future generations the benefits. The Scottish Government must provide financial support in a matter of days to prevent this catastrophe.
Katie Docherty, CEO Scouts Scotland said:
‘Outdoor Residential Centres have been without income since March and the situation is now completely critical. Without emergency support Scottish Centres will begin to close within weeks. Outdoor Residential Centres provide amazing educational experiences to more than 105,000 Scottish children and young people every year - developing confidence, resilience and skills for life. Residentials are evidenced to improve wellbeing, physical and mental health and they help to close the attainment gap. They are never more needed but within weeks they will begin to close forever and it is children and young people who will lose out.’
The young people of Scotland will lose a key part of their education when the centres close, and the Scottish Government will be unable to fulfil their wish for ‘Progressive outdoor learning experiences to be delivered through a combination of school-based learning and residential programmes. As detailed in the document ‘Curriculum for Excellence through outdoor learning’. In addition the outdoor residential sector supports thousands of jobs both directly within the sector but also in the rural economies where many centres are based. A petition was launched on the 8th of September for the #SaveYourOutdoorCentres which now has 22500 signatures, and has the support of Mark Beaumont, Bruce Adamson (Chiildrens Commissioner) and Lee Craigie (Action Nation Commissioner) in addition to the support of the MSPs. More than 35 organisations have also come out in support of the campaign, including EIS, Children 1st, the National Parent Teacher Forum and more. The #SaveYourOutdoorCentres campaign continues to urge everyone who has benefitted from a school camp or residential experience to write to their MSPs and the Government and demand they #saveyouroutdoorcentres. Ends
LETTER TEXT Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Via email: [email protected] Cc: First Minister; Deputy First Minister
51
9th October 2020
Dear Richard,
This morning we held a meeting with several leaders in the outdoor education sector. This was on the back of the ongoing engagement following the Members’ Debate in Holyrood on 22nd September but also on the back of the most recent, very worrying, news that the charity which governs Scottish Outdoor Education Centres is likely to go into administration. This would inevitably mean that several centres would close.
We have all been struck by the renewed urgency of the situation hence this letter to you today. We understand that you have been helpful in responding to the concerns and that discussions have focused on finding £3 million with immediate effect in order to ensure the outdoor centres can be maintained throughout the winter and, just as importantly, the jobs of those who work in them. We are grateful for that response and would ask today that you now make an official request to the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to find this £3 million as an emergency fund with immediate effect. Representatives of the sector have stressed the importance of a funding mechanism that ensures this reaches the centres directly.
We know you have received many communications on this issue, including from many young people in disadvantaged communities, for whom residential outdoor education is a life-changing experience. Their representations, plus the voices of the 22,000 people who have signed the public petition, must not be ignored. We cannot afford to lose our outdoor education centres.
We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. ENDS
Many thanks, [REDACTED]
------
DOCUMENT No.10: SUBMISSION TO DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER RE. FOI REQUEST ON OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 23 October 2020 12:56 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
52
PS/Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
For information, please find attached two documents relating to FOI case 202000096753 and the request for " Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes) regarding outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 01 April 2020 to 08 October 2020." The deadline for responding to the request is 5 November.
As the request relates to an issue in which there is significant public interest, and as a considerable amount of work has been undertaken by Scottish Government officials, it was apparent that a full response would be likely to exceed the upper cost limit of £600. A cost calculation was therefore undertaken, and this suggested that the cost of responding in full would exceed £2,000.
This case has been classed as ‘Routine’ and official sign-off has been given by [Redacted]. I can also confirm that advice was sought from the FOI Unit with regard to the cost calculation. We therefore attach copies of both the official level sign-off (which includes the cost calculation) and the proposed response letter for your information.
Before issuing the response to the requester we deemed it appropriate to make you aware of this case and our proposed reply should you wish to provide any comment.
Regards
[REDACTED]
------
FOI SUBMISSION TEMPLATE
FOI REQUEST: SUBMISSION FOR OFFICIAL DECISION
To: [REDACTED]
Purpose
1. You are invited to agree that the attached draft response to an information request made under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) should be issued.
Priority
2. Routine - The 20th day for a response is 5 November 2020. However you will be aware of the Scottish Ministers’ (the public authority under FOISA) statutory obligation to comply promptly in terms of section.10(1) of FOISA.
Background
3. The FOI request is:
53
“Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes) regarding outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 01 April 2020 to 08 October 2020.”
Reason for seeking decision at Official Level
4. A decision at official level is considered appropriate in this case because it does not raise:
significant public interest considerations; or complex or novel points which have not previously been considered by the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Advice from FOI Unit
5. Advice has been sought from the FOI Unit confirming the technical competence of the recommended option(s) related to disclosure. We are currently awaiting FOI Unit’s advice on our assessment that that request breaches the FOI cost limit.
Discussion
6. Our assessment is that this request breaches the FOI cost limit. We applied the calculation as follows:
APPLYING UPPER COST LIMIT: Calculation for FOI case 202000096753
A. Estimated staff time to locate and retrieve information
i. Request for inbox search sent to Learning Directorate colleagues and appropriate Ministerial Private Offices. Assume that those to whom this request is most relevant will check inboxes ≈ 30 colleagues search inboxes @ *10 minutes per person = 300 minutes = 5 hours. *Majority of emails are contained within the inboxes of B2, B3 and C1 colleagues so separate assessments for each given below. ii. B2 time assessing own inbox (282 emails) = ½ day = 3.7 hours iii. B3 time assessing own inbox (642 emails) = ½ day = 3.7 hours iv. C1 time assessing own inbox (estimate 650 emails) = ½ day = 3.7 hours v. B2 time assessing responses from 12 colleagues (approx. 2,073 emails in total), locating and assessing documents in eRDM (approx. 90) and collating information = 5 days = 37 hours vi. B2 time redacting documents @ 20 documents per hour = 103 hours
B. Estimated cost of locating and retrieving information
i. Colleagues’ inbox search: B2 x 5 hours @ £15 per hour = £75
54 ii. Assessing relevance of 282 emails in inbox: B2 x 3.7 hours @ £15 per hour = £55.50 iii. Assessing relevance of 642 emails in inbox: B3 x 3.7 hours @ £15 per hour = £55.50 iv. Assessing relevance of 650 emails in inbox: C1 x hours @ £15 per hour = £55.50 v. Assessing responses, locating documents and collating information: B2 x 37 hours @ £15 per hour = £555 vi. Redacting: B2 x 103 hours @ £15 per hour = £1,545
TOTAL = £2,341.50
Recommendation
7. You are invited to agree that the attached draft response be issued.
[Redacted] Curriculum Unit 20 October 2020
55
FOI REQUEST – 202000096753 DRAFT RESPONSE LETTER REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (SCOTLAND) ACT 2002 (FOISA)
Thank you for your request dated 8 October 2020 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA).
Your request
You asked for: “Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes) regarding outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 01 April 2020 to 08 October 2020.”
Response to your request
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the costs of locating, retrieving and providing the information requested would exceed the upper cost limit of £600. This is because the combined working hours to check multiple email accounts, assess the content of those email accounts, assess and check the relevant material in relation to FOI guidance and then apply the appropriate redactions would cost over £600. Under section 12 of FOISA public authorities are not required to comply with a request for information if the authority estimates that the cost of complying would exceed the upper cost limit, which is currently set at £600 by Regulations made under section 12.
You may, however, wish to consider reducing the scope of your request in order that the costs can be brought below £600. The best way to reduce the scope of a request in order to bring costs below the £600 limit would be to narrow the time period in question by a sufficient margin. Alternatively, you can consider narrowing the subjects covered in the request. For instance, your initial request refers to “any internal communications”, which extends the request to cover communications amongst civil servants, between civil servants and special advisers, and between civil servants and Ministers. By narrowing to a more defined set of exchanges, you may be able to ensure that your request comes under the £600 limit. You may also find it helpful to look at the Scottish Information Commissioner's 'Tips for requesting information under FOI and the EIRs' on his website at: http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/YourRights/Tipsforrequesters.aspx.
Your right to request a review
If you are unhappy with this response to your FOI request you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response by emailing [email protected], or by writing to:
Graeme Logan Director of Learning The Scottish Government Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ
Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made within 40 working days from the date when you received this letter. We will complete the review in accordance with FOISA as soon as possible, and not later than 20 working days from the day following the date we receive your review request.
If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner. More detailed information on your appeal rights is available on the Commissioner's website at: http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/YourRights/Unhappywiththeresponse/AppealingtoCommissioner.aspx .
56
FOI DECISION TEMPLATE
Auditing, Compliance and Quality
Please select one of the following options:
I am satisfied that the response meets all auditing, compliance and quality criteria:
1. I agree that the searches template and Statement of Compliance have been saved to the casefile.
2. I agree that the searches listed in the searches template are proportionate, reasonable, robust, comprehensive and appropriate to the scope of the request.
3. I agree that, to the best of my knowledge, the schedule of documents is accurate, complete and captures all information within the scope of the request.
4. I agree that exemptions have not been applied in a restrictive way; have been applied with a presumption in favour of disclosure; and, where appropriate, with due consideration of the public interest.
I do not find that the response meets all auditing, compliance and quality criteria. Before making a decision on issuing the response, I require further information about: o The status of auditing and compliance documents in the casefile (searches template and Statement of Compliance) o The scope and subject matter of the request o The searches conducted o The information considered for release o The application of exemptions o Other:
Decision on Issuing the Response
Please select from the following options:
I am content with the response in its present form and decide that it should be issued without undue delay.
OR
In order to make a decision, I require further information about:
In order to make a decision, I require the following changes to be made to the response:
[REDACTED]
57
FOI Case Reference: 202000096753
Proposed Response
REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (SCOTLAND) ACT 2002 (FOISA)
Thank you for your request dated 8 October 2020 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA).
Your request
You asked for:
Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes) regarding outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 01 April 2020 to 08 October 2020.
Response to your request
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the costs of locating, retrieving and providing the information requested would exceed the upper cost limit of £600. This is because the combined working hours to check multiple email accounts, assess the content of those email accounts, assess and check the relevant material in relation to FOI guidance and then apply the appropriate redactions would cost over £600. Under section 12 of FOISA public authorities are not required to comply with a request for information if the authority estimates that the cost of complying would exceed the upper cost limit, which is currently set at £600 by Regulations made under section 12.
You may, however, wish to consider reducing the scope of your request in order that the costs can be brought below £600. The best way to reduce the scope of a request in order to bring costs below the £600 limit would be to narrow the time period in question by a sufficient margin. Alternatively, you can consider narrowing the subjects covered in the request. For instance, your initial request refers to “Any internal Scottish Government communications”, which extends the request to cover communications amongst civil servants, between civil servants and special advisers, and between civil servants and Ministers. By narrowing the request to a more defined set of exchanges, you may be able to ensure that your request comes under the £600 limit. You may also find it helpful to look at the Scottish Information Commissioner's 'Tips for requesting information under FOI and the EIRs' on his website at: http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/YourRights/Tipsforrequesters.aspx.
Your right to request a review
If you are unhappy with this response to your FOI request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response by emailing [email protected], or by writing to:
Graeme Logan Director of Learning The Scottish Government
58
Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ
Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made within 40 working days from the date when you received this letter. We will complete the review in accordance with FOISA as soon as possible, and not later than 20 working days from the day following the date we receive your review request.
If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner. More detailed information on your appeal rights is available on the Commissioner's website at: http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/YourRights/Unhappywiththeresponse/AppealingtoCommissione r.aspx.
------
DOCUMENT NO. 11: E-MAIL TRAIL BEGINNING 21 OCTOBER, ENDING 22 OCTOBER
From: [Redacted]@gov.scot On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 22 October 2020 10:32 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Hi all,
Both letters have now been cleared and issued (signed copy attached for your records).
59
Many thanks, [REDACTED]
From: Redacted]@gov.scot Sent: 22 October 2020 08:42 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Thanks [redacted]. I’ve confirmed with [redacted] that we’re on track to issue the news release and the social media at 11. If you could confirm back to this copylist when the letters have gone in the normal way, that would be great.
[Redacted]
From: [[email protected]]> On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 22 October 2020 08:33 To: [[email protected]]> Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
60
[Redacted],
Mr Lochhead is content with revised letter.
We will issue both letters at 10.30am today as planned.
Thanks, [Redacted]
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 21 October 2020 18:01 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Hi
It was a passing reference on comms materials, in the letter to Alison Johnstone attached – I’ve amended the new letter to say a comms package was ‘mentioned’.
I attach a new draft with an additional paragraph about valuing OECs, hope that meets the Minister’s need.
[Redacted]
61
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 17:19 To: [[email protected]]; Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Subject: RE: FOR CLEARANCE: Outdoor education funding news release
[Redacted],
Yes, we can issue the letters from this office at 10:30am tomorrow.
Regarding the draft letter to MSPs (attached for ease), Mr Lochhead has now commented that it needs to reiterate importance of the sector and value we attach to it. Grateful for a revised draft.
Also, it refers to our previous letter referring to comms materials but Mr Lochhead does not recall that?
Thanks, [Redacted]
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 21 October 2020 16:53 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
62
Ingebrigtsen R (Ross)
Hi [Redacted]
Just been discussing with [Redacted] and [Redacted] – they are thinking to issue the press release at 11. Would it work for you to issue the letters just before, say 10.30?
Thanks
[Redacted]
From: [Redacted] Sent: 21 October 2020 15:28 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Hi [Redacted]
Please see attached draft letters to MSPs and to the three OEC representatives that Mr Lochhead met.
I note [Redacted] has asked whether it will be possible to delay the announcement until tomorrow – I’m guessing that will be a discussion between Mr Lochhead and Special Advisors and we’ll await the outcome there. Let me know if there is anything I can do to support that conversation. From a policy perspective there is not a huge difference between
63 this afternoon and tomorrow, and we can continue the soft conversations we’ve been having with stakeholders as well as push on with work around procuring a fund administrator and designing criteria.
On the MSP letter, we believe the appropriate copylist will be those who spoke at the debate, those who signed the letter from Alison Johnstone and the education and skills committee mailbox. Listed here: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
The OEC sector reps contact details are: Neil Wightwick: [email protected] Martin Davidson: [email protected] Katie Docherty: [email protected]
Thanks
[Redacted]
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 21 October 2020 15:03 To: [[email protected]]>; Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
64
Hi all
Is there any chance this and the letters could hold a day – we might want this for briefing tomorrow
Thanks
[Reda
Please note Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot for information.
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 21 October 2020 15:01 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Good afternoon Minister/PO Below is the draft news release for today’s planned funding announcement for outdoor education centres. It will go out once the MSPs letters have gone. Grateful for clearance. Many thanks [Redacted]
65
Help for residential outdoor education centres £2 million package of support.
The Scottish Government will provide £2 million of funding to mitigate the financial challenges facing the residential outdoor education sector as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The package will include funding to help centres provide safe, impactful outdoor learning experiences to support young people’s education and wellbeing through this challenging period.
Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Richard Lochhead has today written to MSPs to outline the package of support.
He said:
“I met representatives from the sector recently to discuss their concerns and their request for funding. I am acutely aware of the challenges the sector has had to face in the wake of the restrictions imposed to supress the spread of COVID-19.
“Outdoor learning is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum. It can play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and attainment and we are fully committed to supporting outdoor education providers. I hope this funding, along with third sector and youth work funding streams which are already available, alleviates some of the pressures facing the sector during these challenging times and allows them to offer meaningful experiences to young people.
“Funding on its own will not address the challenges that are faced at the current time. We will continue to engage with local authorities to support the important role that outdoor education centres and their staff can play during the period when overnight residential stays are not permitted for public health reasons.”
Urgent discussions are taking place on arrangements for administering the package of support. Details of how to apply will be made available as soon as possible.
Alongside the new fund, the Scottish Government will produce a package of communication and support materials to local authorities and schools in order to publicise the opportunities for outdoor learning experiences in their area.
BACKGROUND
Comprehensive guidance for schools and local authorities on the positive contribution made by outdoor education centres, developed by the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education, was published in August 2020
Guidance for school visits and trips to outdoor education centres: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-school-visits-and-trips/
66
Guidance on the educational value of outdoor education centres (published August 2020, funded by Scottish Government): https://www.sapoe.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2020/08/OEC-Fit-for-the-Future-Final-Version-1.1.pdf
[Redacted]
------
67
DOCUMENT NO. 12 – EMAIL TRAIL BEGINNING 19 OCTOBER, ENDING 21 OCTOBER 2020
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 21 October 2020 13:31 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Hi [Redacted]
Yes, I’d been about to reply to your other email – we can’t issue social media or a NR before notifying parliament. A letter is being drafted as we speak and will be with you ASAP.
A news release is circulating with policy and will come to you ASAP – we will be able to issue today and the social content can go at the same time.
We will make sure Martin knows when things go live.
We need to work through the procurement arrangements which will take a couple of days – it’s important we follow the process to avoid getting challenged about it. As a courtesy to a stakeholder, I am planning to let Youthlink know that the Ministerial decision has been made but will not be able to say anything further for the moment. I hope that makes sense.
Happy to discuss
[Redacted]
[Redacted]
Curriculum, Qualifications and Gaelic Division Scottish Government [Redacted]
From: [[email protected]]; On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 13:25
70
To: [[email protected]] Cc: [[email protected]]; [[email protected]]; McAllister C (Colin)
[Redacted],
Feedback from Mr Lochhead is that Martin Davidson of the Outward Bound Trust was delighted and will warmly welcome this news.
Mr Lochhead said we are going public shortly but he needs to notify MSPs – is a draft in hand with relevant copy lists ?
Also, Mr Lochhead said officials would let Martin know asap when he could go public etc. Martin also asked for details re funding but understood this would be discussed (Mr Lochhead mentioned Youth Link being involved but that officials would discuss all that with them asap).
Thanks again for your help with this – especially at such pace.
[Redacted]
Mr Lochhead’s preferences can be found here - Ministerial Preferences
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]]; On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 13:14 To: [[email protected]]; [[email protected]]; McAllister C (Colin)
71
[[email protected]];; [[email protected]]; >; [[email protected]]; >; [[email protected]]; >; [[email protected]];; [[email protected]]; >; [[email protected]]; >; [email protected]; [[email protected]]; >; [[email protected]]; >; Communications DFM & Education
Hi [Redacted]
Please find below a video message from Mr Lochhead using the suggested wording sent from comms: https://we.tl/t-2LWhsVWEry
Grateful if this can please be shared as per the Minister’s request.
Many thanks, [Redacted]
From: [[email protected]]; Sent: 21 October 2020 12:11 To: [[email protected]]; [[email protected]]; McAllister C (Colin)
72
Good afternoon [Redacted] Policy colleagues are considering the draft news release. This is the comment suggested for Mr Lochhead, which, as [Redacted] suggests, could be used to voice the video message. [Redacted]
“Outdoor learning is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum. It can play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and attainment and we are fully committed to supporting outdoor education providers. I hope this funding, along with third sector and youth work funding streams which are already available, alleviates some of the pressures facing the sector during these challenging times.
“Funding on its own will not address the challenges that are faced at the current time. We will continue to engage with local authorities to support the important role that outdoor education centres and their staff can play during the period when overnight residential stays are not permitted for public health reasons.”
[Redacted] Communications DFM & Education [Redacted] Scottish Government | news.gov.scot
From: [[email protected]];> Sent: 21 October 2020 11:39 To: [[email protected]]; [[email protected]]; McAllister C (Colin)
[Redacted]
On comms, Mr Lochhead can voice the quote in the news release which [Redacted] will circulate shortly.
73
[Redacted]
From: [[email protected]];> On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 11:36 To: [[email protected]]; [[email protected]]; McAllister C (Colin)
Good morning,
In addition to [Redacted] last email, Mr Lochhead has asked if we can please arrange the following:
- A call with the key stakeholder or maybe two – Mr Lochhead has suggested he could call Youth Link and then the person that heads the campaign.
- If this could be done just before we send off letter to MSPs that were at the debate and also those that have since contacted us and also release the PR at same time as letter lands in inboxes
- A very short script of say 30 seconds, Mr Lochhead will video that to go out on social media from SG
The Minister has commented that it would be good to get this done within the next hour or so if possible – grateful if someone can please confirm that they can pick this up?
Many thanks, [Redacted]
From: [[email protected]];; On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 11:13 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
74
Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Also, Mr Lochhead has said he will do a short video for social media if colleagues can send a very short script.
[Redacted] Private Secretary to Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science – Richard Lochhead
From: [[email protected]]; On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 21 October 2020 11:06 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
[Redacted],
75
Mr Lochhead has suggested he should call the key stakeholder prior to any public announcement ie. just before it. Grateful for advice on that.
Also, can we draft a press release and letters ASAP to stakeholder and MSPs.
Thanks, [Redacted]
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]]; On Behalf Of Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Sent: 21 October 2020 10:46 To: [[email protected]]; >; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
[Redacted]
Thank you for your submission – DFM is grateful to Mr Lochhead and officials for the work that has been done here. He is also grateful to Alison Cumming for the undertaking of the savings exercise.
DFM thinks £1m is unlikely to have as significant an effect on the sector as we need so he is prepared to agree £2m to be available for this Fund and for Youthlink to be invited to administer it. DFM has discussed the savings exercise that has been done with Ms Forbes and she has agreed that he can proceed to authorise this from within his own Budget management. We need to move ahead at pace and try to avoid any precipitative decisions being made by providers.
DFM has said we should start talking to the sector immediately and Mr Lochhead should announce asap.
76
I’d be grateful if you could please keep our office advised.
Kind Regards [Redacted]
The Scottish Government | Web: www.gov.scot | [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] | Email: [email protected] | [email protected] 5N.07 St Andrew’s House | Regent Road | Edinburgh | EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments.
Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]]; Sent: 19 October 2020 17:23 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Hi [Redacted]
As discussed, please find attached a submission for the DFM’s decision on outdoor education centres. As this involves spending, Ms Forbes will also want to comment. The DFM is aware this is an urgent issue, with considerable media and political attention.
This advice recommends that DFM put £1m of savings identified in the Education portfolio (see Alison Cummings’ note of this morning) into supporting outdoor education centres.
Paul Johnstone has agreed to this approach in principle, from the Accountable Officer perspective; a formal template will follow. Outdoor education remains extremely high profile and liable to get more so as the Scottish Outdoor Education Centres organisation gets closer to folding (this week or next). Any action we take is unlikely to be able to safeguard them, but would be able to reduce the risk that significant numbers follow them into administration.
77
The DFM will wish to consider this ask in the context of the wider financial situation of the portfolio, as well as with awareness of some other financial issues in Learning Directorate at present. [Redacted: out of scope for this release]
Very happy to discuss.
Thanks
[Redacted]
Curriculum, Qualifications and Gaelic Division Scottish Government [Redacted]
------
From: [[email protected]];On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 06 October 2020 11:46 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
PS/DFM,
Please find attached minute from Mr Lochhead.
[Redacted]
------
DFM
Copied to: Cabinet Secretary for Finance
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES
78
I met with representatives from the outdoor education sector on Thursday 01 October – Martin Davidson (Outward Bound Trust), Neil Wightwick (Chair, The Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centre) and Katie Docherty (Chief Executive, Scouts Scotland). They set out the challenges facing the sector due to Covid-19, and presented a new proposal for short-term emergency funding of between £2.5m and £3m (more detail at Annex).
They explained that while the sector can offer day activities in schools, parents are less willing to pay for these than for residential visits – the sector is seeking SG financial support for the missing parental contributions. This represents a fraction of their estimated total expenses, but their expectation is that a tangible government commitment will unlock further funding from sources including philanthropy and school or local authorities. As well as saving centres from closure, the funding would support centres to continue day visits and to offer schools opportunities to have expert outdoor educators working in their school grounds on a peripapetic basis.
I am of course aware we have already considered funding bids from this sector, and I understand the significant budgetary pressures we face. However, I feel the sector makes strong arguments for the significant value that outdoor education providers can offer young people impacted by Covid right now, and there is evidence that schools want to access this resource if funding can be found. I am also persuaded there is a significant risk we could lose these centres for the future, which will not only deprive future young people of high quality outdoor education but could impact on our ambitions to combat climate change by reducing opportunities for young people to develop an appreciation of the natural environment. The Parliamentary debate indicated there was widespread support for the sector. This financial ask is more refined and realistic than previous requests, and, while further due diligence is needed, seems to offer good value for money.
Unless we can find funding, or the UKG consents to extend the furlough scheme on at least its current basis, we will see centres closing – depriving young people of a powerful resource and some of our most rural communities of significant employers with profound local impacts. I would appreciate an urgent steer on whether you would be prepared to consider agreeing in principle to explore a short term £2.5-3m bid fund to safeguard the future of outdoor education centres in Scotland. [Redacted: Section 29 of FOISA (formulation of policy).
At FMQs on Thursday 1 October, the First Minister committed that Ministers would write to Liz Smith MSP following Thursday’s stakeholder meeting. I am keen to write to all those who spoke at the recent Parliamentary debate, this week if possible.
RICHARD LOCHHEAD 6 October 2020 ANNEX
SUMMARY OF ISSUES & THE FINANCIAL REQUEST FROM THE OUTDOOR EDUCATION SECTOR
1. Outdoor education centres have experienced significant losses in income since March 2020. This has been because school group overnight residential stays, which provide the majority of income, are not permitted under current Covid-19 guidance. The rules on overnight
79 residential visits are unlikely to change in the near future and some local authorities have already advised schools that overnight stays should not be arranged for 2020/21.
2. Limited numbers of schools are pursuing day visits, and day experiences bring in less income for third sector providers in part because parents are not prepared to pay as much for day rather than residential experiences. There also issues around providing day visits to centres themselves because of the transport involved, partly relating to whether schools feel it is appropriate in the Covid context to put students on an additional bus journey, but also some of these centres are a long way from urban centres and the travel times involved are impractical.
3. Local authority providers have found it more straightforward than third sector providers to get take up for a peripatetic offer for schools. It is also true that schools’ attitudes to visiting staff vary – even though outdoor educators are by definition outside, some schools are interpreting this as not being manageable within current SG guidance on school reopening. This may in part be because of the pressure education teams are under to run their core activity, leaving them with little time to think creatively about day visits or to do the associated risk assessment admin.
4. Some authorities seem to be going beyond guidance by not allowing schools to plan for residentials throughout the whole academic year. There is also a barrier for some schools in engaging with providers because there have been concerns about insurers not paying out for cancelled trips.
5. Survey work conducted by the stakeholders indicates large numbers of authorities are allowing playground based and local area outdoor learning, though only around half are allowing day visits involving transport and only 1/5 have issued specific local guidance on when new residential visits can be planned or booked.
6. The financial impact on the sector is significant, with three centres already closed due to Covid-19 impact. Stakeholders provided the following estimates of the potential closures that are likely to occur, and to begin within a matter of weeks.
80
Overview Total Number of Workforce Number of Individual Number of Individuals Centres Teaching Days Each Year accessing the services 36 605 420,000* 146,000* (~105,000 school pupils) *2018-2019 Data. These figures are indicative of the number of young people missing out on vital experiences this year and going forward if centres close.
Number of centres to close as a result of Covid Note to Minister the following are cumulative estimates, i.e. by start of Jan 2021 a total of 5-7 may have closed, by start of April 2021 a total of 8-16 may have closed. By Start of Nov 2020 By Start of Jan 2021 By Start of April 2021 By Start of Aug 2021 3 Between 5 & 7* Between 8 & 16* Between 17 & 25* *Date derived from survey
Number of employees to be made redundant Note to Minister: Again, these are cumulative estimates. By Start of Nov 2020 By Start of Jan 2021 By Start of April 2021 By Start of Aug 2021 155* 188* 223* 349* *Based on confirmed plans to close
7. Closures will impact on rural employment in these areas, where the outdoor centre can be the main employer in a whole community, as well as supporting other local businesses. Stakeholders estimate that every £1 spent in residential centres, generates a £11 return in the rural economy. Closures will mean properties sold and the skilled and specialised workforce likely lost to education – they do not think there will be any kind of automatic recovery when more normal conditions return.
8. The UK Government’s furlough scheme has helped to retain staff, though this will end imminently and the providers have confirmed that the adjusted UK fund will not meet their needs. The SG Third Sector Resilience Fund has provided some level of support, however this has not been sufficient to meet running costs for even temporarily closed centres. The thresholds for the third sector funding have prevented many in the sector from applying and the financial support is spread thinly.
The financial proposal submitted by the sector
9. During the summer, Learning Directorate officials assembled a potential £5m-£7m funding option, but Ministers were unable to agree due to affordability. The updated proposal put forward by the sector and discussed with Mr Lochhead on 01 October is in the region of £2.5-3m. This represents a proportion of the overall funding estimated as needed to sustain centres and an adjusted offer to schools.
Funding required to support sector to retain staff and facilities to benefit future generations This is to cover fixed costs plus maintenance of the staff team. This stops organisations going out of business. Until Start of Jan 2021 Until Start of April 2021 Until Start of August 2021 £2,053,709.05 £4,457,667.79 £7,923,812.21
81
Additional funding required to enable the workforce to deliver outdoor learning as part of the Education Recovery in local schools and community – this is additional funding to deploy staff into schools and to host day visits Until Start of Jan 2021 Until Start of April 2021 Until Start of August 2021 £229,698.95* £699,517.89* £1,242,720.00*
TOTAL FUNDING REQUIRED Until Start of Jan 2021 Until Start of April 2021 Until Start of August 2021 £2,283,408.00 £5,157,185.68 £9,166,532.21
10. The sector is requesting funding of £2.5-3m in the form of a bid fund. This would one-off and time limited. The aim is to maintain the building but also help reorientate support towards a day visit and peripatetic “in school” model until overnight residential stays can restart. The idea is that SG funding would replace the contribution normally made by parents.
11. The SG contribution would allow third sector providers to advertise a much firmer offer to schools, around which they could attract further funding from donors and school/local authority contributions, including from their Scottish Attainment Challenge and Pupil Equity Funding pots. This would be aligned to a further practical package of communications to local authorities and schools. This comms package would emphasise the contribution that third sector residential centres and their staff can make to the school curriculum and education recovery. This could include a communication of some form from Ministers, a template letter for local authorities to distribute to headteachers (one which would be tailored to each region with contact details for centres) a list of what can be done (e.g. day visits, work in and around school grounds) and further advice and pointers.
Analysis
12. The threat to the sector is particularly significant and it is urgent. While providers have been able to apply to a number of generic funding streams into which the sector could submit proposals, the stakeholders are correct in saying that the funding pots are spread across a wide range of organisations; that some of the thresholds have worked against them, and that local authority-led bidding processes can sometimes make it difficult for third sector organisations to make their case.
13. The educational benefits of outdoor education experiences are well known, with particular benefits for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and children with additional support needs. Outdoor education is known to enhance the broader skills in terms of resilience, confidence and risk taking that are essential to Scotland’s curriculum. The scientific evidence makes clear that Covid-19 risk is lower outdoors. Our guidance makes clear that outdoor learning can play a vital role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and mental health during Covid-19.
14. The most recent funding proposal is strong, going beyond just preventing closures but contributing to education recovery. The sector have done more to estimate what they could receive from other funders, reducing the direct ask from SG to £2.5-3m. However, it is not absolutely guaranteed that other funders would come forward and providers will need to
82 proactively approach local authorities and individual schools, being flexible and innovative in tailoring their offer.
Affordability
15. The proposal, itself, seems strong and the value for money good. However, we are not readily able to identify resource funding. There is no funding available within the Curriculum Unit budget and when funds were sought across the Learning Directorate earlier in the year none were available. We have engaged with colleagues in youth work and third sector policy, who run funds which outdoor education centres have been accessing small amounts from, but they also do not have free funding. We are making further enquiries across the Directorate, but given we are carrying around £39m of pressures at the moment it seems unlikely that funding will be readily available from existing budget lines.
16. We have explored with the sector whether loans would be a practical option. A number of providers have already explored the loan funding already available through third sector support provision, but because at the moment they have no income at all they have been turned down. Even if this eligibility question could be overcome, providers would still largely be unlikely to take loans because even in normal times they exist on extremely tight margins which would make it very challenging to service and pay down a loan.
17. If, as seems likely, it is impossible to find savings from which to fund this proposal, funding it would mean increasing the Learning Directorate pressures from £39m to £41.5- 42m, and the SG overall pressure from £433m to more than £435m. This would require and Accountable Officer template to be completed and sign off from a number of Ministers including the Cabinet Secretary for Finance before any funds can be committed.
18. There is a potential risk that other severely impacted sectors would see this as a precedent, and come forward seeking additional support. It can be argued that given their reliance on school visits as well as the unique dimension they add to the education of children and young people, outdoor education centres warrant particular support, but it is not impossible other sectors with similarly strong cases will emerge.
------
DOCUMENT NO. 13: E-MAIL TRAIL BEGINNING 01 OCT 2020 ENDING 06 OCT 2020
From: [[email protected]]; Sent: 06 October 2020 09:15 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Thanks [Redacted]. No worries, let me know if you need anything else.
83
[Redacted] Curriculum, Qualifications and Gaelic Division Scottish Government [Redacted]
From: [[email protected]];On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 06 October 2020 09:10 To: [[email protected]];Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
If that’s all that necessary I can certainly do that. I’ll also take out your name shown at end of annex.
Leave with me.
Thanks again.
[Redacted]
Mr Lochhead’s preferences can be found here - Ministerial Preferences
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]]; Sent: 06 October 2020 08:16 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Subject: RE: FMQs follow up - 1 October 2020 - Outdoor Education Centres
Will do (though in practice all I’m going to do is amend the header!) – is the format ok, or would you prefer the note text in an email with the advice annex as an attachment?
[Redacted] Curriculum, Qualifications and Gaelic Division Scottish Government [Redacted]
84
From: [[email protected] On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 06 October 2020 07:06 To: [[email protected]] Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Subject: RE: FMQs follow up - 1 October 2020 - Outdoor Education Centres
Hi [Redacted],
Mr Lochhead is content with the proposed note to DFM.
Are you going to send a redrafted version so I can use to send from Mr Lochhead to DFM (via this office) ?
Thanks, [Redacted]
Mr Lochhead’s preferences can be found here - Ministerial Preferences
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Re[Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 05 October 2020 17:58 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Hi [Redacted]
Please see attached a draft note and advice annex for Mr Lochhead to consider and refine before deciding to share with Mr Swinney.
As you make clear below, I know the Minister is very keen to make an announcement around outdoor education centres this week. However, as the note sets out, it is proving exceptionally challenging to find the funding for this, and any decision to proceed (no matter how any funds are sourced) will require us to get through the Accountable Officer template process. This means that even if Mr Swinney is minded to take on the additional pressure of this bid in principle, we will still need to work our way through a chain of approvals at senior
85 official and Ministerial level and that is likely to take time. We will proceed as fast as we can, of course, but I think a timetable of this week for an announcement is going to be difficult.
If Mr Swinney is not inclined to pursue the spending, we will draft a response to Liz Smith and others who spoke in the debate, setting out the softer interventions we can offer. If Mr Swinney is able to get back to us quickly, that would be able to go this week.
Once Mr Lochhead has had a chance to look at the note he may want a quick meeting to discuss next steps.
Thanks
[Redacted]
Curriculum, Qualifications and Gaelic Division Scottish Government [Redacted]
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 05 October 2020 16:05 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redacted],
Just to add that Mr Lochhead has said it would be good to make an announcement regarding outdoor centres this week - sooner rather than later.
[Redacted]
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
86
Communities & Justice
Thanks [Redacted] - very much appreciated.
[Redacted]
Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com)
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 1 Oct 2020 19:31 To: "Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science"
Thanks [Redacted],
We will prepare a note from Mr Lochhead to DFM outlining the Minister’s reflections below as well as some details on the financial ask and of course a short note of the meeting.
We will need to speak to colleagues in third sector and youth work policy re. the Minister’s question on the existing schemes - but will get in touch with them ASAP. We will also develop a draft letter which would go to the MSPs involved in the debate -as per Mr Lochhead’s request and the comments from FM today.
We will start work on all of this tomorrow. All being well, we should be able to get a draft note to the Minister by Monday at the latest.
[Redacted]
From: [[email protected]] > On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 01 October 2020 16:50 To: [Redacted]@gov.scot Cc: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redcated],
Mr Lochhead has sent the message below following the meeting held at 3.30pm today (note I have also copied in comms colleagues for awareness):
Thank you to colleagues for help with prep.
87
I do feel the sector have a strong case for support and note their ask of 2.5m to 3m which would enable them to seek match funding and deliver a bespoke package of support for our young people and schools to overcome the impact of Covid.
If there have been barriers to existing schemes,I wonder if we could revisit the budgets as well as any other courses for these schemes to fund the winter support package for outdoor centres.
I also welcome steps SG is taking with local authorities to encourage more use of outdoor education.
Given the pressures facing schools, I would have thought that they would welcome the additional support from outdoor centre staff.
My preference would be to announce our decision next week to co-incident with a letter to MSPs who took part in the members debate.
I’d be grateful if a note to go to DFM could be prepared.
RL.
[Redacted]
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 01 October 2020 15:17 To: [[email protected]] Cc: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redacted],
Mr Lochhead has noted the emails below. He has also commented that he would prefer a note was sent to all who participated in the members debate and not just Liz Smith.
Thanks, [Redacted]
Mr Lochhead’s preferences can be found here - Ministerial Preferences
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 01 October 2020 15:02
88
To: [[email protected]] Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Thanks [Redacted] – I’ve sent your email onto Mr Lochhead so hopefully will see ahead of meeting.
[Redacted]
Mr Lochhead’s preferences can be found here - Ministerial Preferences
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 01 October 2020 14:56 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
Thanks [Redacted],
Yes, I seen FMQs and the question from Liz Smith, plus response. The Minister’s meeting with the stakeholders is due to start at 3.30 and so presumably myself and [Redacted] will draft up a letter to Liz Smith on the back of the meeting.
I guess that a fair bit of the content is dependent on how this afternoon’s meeting goes. We will look to draft something up tomorrow.
I’ll be on today’s call with the Minister, as will [Redacted] and [Redacted] Briefing provided yesterday including suggested agenda which I would recommend the Minister use for the meeting. It includes some key questions which he might want to pose to stakeholders.
I suspect that Martin Davidson will be the main contributor from the stakeholders.
[Redacted]
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 01 October 2020 14:53 To: [[email protected]]
89
Cc: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
[Redacted],
Please see email below. Grateful for urgent advice / draft response.
Thanks, [Redacted]
: [Redacted] | Mobile: [Redacted] St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of First Minister FMQs Sent: 01 October 2020 14:16 To: Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
PS/ Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science,
During FMQs today, Liz Smith asked when the SG would give a formal response to the Scottish Parliament’s calls to safeguard the future of the outdoor education centres. FM said she would ask the Minister for Further Education to write to member to provide an update on this issue following his meeting with education stakeholders today.
I would be grateful if you could follow up.
Many thanks,
[Redacted]
First Minister’s Covid Briefing Unit | Scottish Government | 5N.02, St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG | M: [Redacted]
------
DOCUMENT NO. 14: NEWS RELEASE EMAIL TRAIL BEGINNING 14 SEPT 2020 ENDING 15 SEPT 2020
90
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 15 September 2020 14:03 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
DFM/PO,
STV and the Courier are asking about the future of outdoor education centres, particularly concerns about funding.
Policy colleagues and SpAds are content with the lines we issued last night. Grateful for confirmation the DFM is content to re-issue.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Outdoor education centres can provide young people with a variety of curriculum relevant experiences. At present, the increased risk of virus transmission associated with overnight stays means that the Scottish Government has advised against school residential visits to centres – risk assessed day visits are permitted.
“To support outdoor education centres during this challenging time we have funded the development of guidance for schools and outdoor education centres on safe day visits.”
[Redacted] Media Manager | Newsdesk Scottish Government Working from home with poor signal – please contact over skype
------
DOCUMENT NO. 15: MEDIA RESPONSE EMAIL TRAIL BEGINNING AND ENDING 14 SEPT 2020
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Sent: 14 September 2020 16:11 To: [[email protected]] Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Hi [Redacted]
DFM is content to clear.
91
Thanks [Redacted]
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 14 September 2020 15:52 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Cc: News Desk ; Communications DFM & Education
DFM/PO,
Channel 5 news is reporting on the campaign to Save Scotland's Outdoor Centres tomorrow. Some have already closed, and many are making redundancies.
They are looking for someone to interview about it tomorrow.
Recommendation is to decline the bid and issue the below lines. Policy colleagues and SpAds are content with this approach.
Grateful for clearance.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Outdoor education centres can provide young people with a variety of curriculum relevant experiences. At present, the increased risk of virus transmission associated with overnight stays means that the Scottish Government has advised against school residential visits to centres – risk assessed day visits are permitted.
“To support outdoor education centres during this challenging time we have funded the development of guidance for schools and outdoor education centres on safe day visits.”
Ta,
[Redacted] Media Manager | Newsdesk Scottish Government Working from home with poor signal – please contact over skype ------
DOCUMENT NO. 16: EMAIL 08 SEPT 2020
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 08 September 2020 14:27 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
92
Good afternoon,
To be aware, we have had a further enquiry on outdoor education centres following Outward Bound warning of job cuts, full query below, to note there is a petition now.
I have agreed with policy and spads I will reissue the line cleared last week.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Outdoor education centres can provide young people with a variety of curriculum relevant experiences. At present, the increased risk of virus transmission associated with overnight stays means that the Scottish Government has advised against school residential visits to centres – risk assessed day visits are permitted.
“To support outdoor education centres during this challenging time we have funded the development of guidance for schools and outdoor education centres on safe day visits.”
Background The guidance for outdoor education was published on 14 August.
Query https://www.change.org/p/scottish-government-save-scottish-outdoor- centres?utm source=share petition&utm medium=custom url&recruited by id=088bb928- 7259-41dd-93a7-0f8dbdcb578c
Here are the tops lines of the pr I'm following up: Scotland’s outdoor education sector has issued a call to the Scottish Government to support outdoor residential centres or face losing them forever. The sector has come together and launched a petition to ask the Scottish Government to review its decision not to provide a financial support package to the sector, while it remains unable to operate as normal due to the impact of COVID-19. On 14th August the Scottish Government issued advice to local authorities that school residential trips should not take place until at least the Spring term in 2021. There is no review date set. With no financial support package in place many outdoor centres will close. The closures are already starting, with the closure Girlguiding Scotland’s centre – Nertherurd House. More will follow and shut down permanently before Christmas.
93
I'm particularly following up the Fort William Outward Bound centre at Loch Eil, which is one of FW's biggest employers with more than 50 people. Numbers of them are being offered voluntary redundancy. Can the Scottish Government respond to the points made in the PR- Will the Scot Gov review its decision not to provide finanical support to the sector. What is the Scot Gov's reaction to the close of outdoor centres. What is its reaction to the difficulties being experienced the Loch Eil Outward Bound centre- a key offering in Lochaber, and a big employer.
Thanks [Redacted] Newsdesk [Redacted]
------DOCUMENT NO. 17: EMAIL AND ATTACHMENTS ENDING 07 SEPT 2020
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 07 September 2020 09:31 To: [[email protected]] Cc: CPS Group Hub
Hi [Redacted],
As requested, I attach an FMQ style briefing on support for outdoor education centres following Martin Davidson’s tweet.
There is a fairly long back story to this so I have included a full background in the body of this email rather than within the brief. However, if you think FM would like a background in the brief, then there is also a shortened background for consideration. That can easily be pasted in if needed.
Can you also let me know if you’d like this for FMQs too.
Thanks
94
[Redacted]
Short Background Outdoor education centres (such as those run by Mr Davidson) lost income during lockdown. They now continue to lose income as we have advised against school residential visits to the centres during the autumn term due to the risk of virus transmission. We have considered financial support twice but the funding required was unaffordable in the current context. We have taken forward a package of non-financial support for centres but centres have now started to close permanently and more are likely to follow.
Full Background Outdoor education centres such as the one operated by the Outward Bound Trust at Loch Eil, have experienced losses of income since March 2020. This has been because school groups, which provide the majority of income, were unable to visit during lockdown and associated school closures.
The UK Government’s furlough scheme and other funds such as the Scottish Government’s Third Sector Resilience Fund have provided some level of support but in general, this has not been enough to meet running costs for even temporarily closed centres.
The Deputy First Minister considered a £7.35m funding request in June from about half of the centres in Scotland but this was declined on the grounds of affordability. A package of non-financial support was agreed instead.
In August, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues considered the appropriateness of school visits in the 2020/21 academic year. They concluded that school residential visits carried an increased risk of virus transmission so were not advisable until the new year. Risk assessed day visits were permissible. The Scottish Government informed all schools in Scotland of this advice on 14 August 2020.
In light of a continued prohibition on school residential visits, the Deputy First Minister asked for advice on the development of a support fund for residential providers during the autumn term. It was calculated that a fund of £5.5m would be required to support just half of centres in Scotland until January. This proposal was again declined on the basis of affordability.
Representatives of outdoor education centres who had previously enquired about funding, including Martin Davidson, were informed of the funding decision on 3 September 2020.
95
We are aware that some centres have already either closed permanently or made significant redundancies because of the prospect that they will not see an increase in visitors until next year.
[Redacted
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 04 September 2020 10:45 To: CPS Group Hub
Hello CPS hub,
I note the comments from Martin Davidson of the Outward Bound Trust on Twitter today confirming that we have declined a bid for financial support for outdoor activity centres. See here - https://twitter.com/MDavidson OBT/status/1301601198525558784
Can I have briefing on this in FMQ format to support the First Minister’s media briefing on Monday please. I will need this by 0930 on Monday at the latest. This should set out in background the facts of the situation and the rationale for the decision. The main body of the brief should addresss the central claims being made and set out clearly the support we have offered to these centres and what our public position is.
I would also be interested to see some rebuttal on the claim this will damage the delivery of CfE, which Mr Davidson is making here.
Can this be taken forward please – can you also confirm this has been picked up?
Thanks
[Redacted] ------
96
ISSUE: The Scotland Director of the Outward Bound Trust, Martin Davidson has criticised the Scottish Government for advising against school residential visits without providing financial support to residential providers.
Mr Davidson also stated that the decision will mean the permanent closure of a number of outdoor education centres across Scotland with no hope of ever reopening.
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Alison Johnstone MSP and Daniel Johnson MSP have all backed Mr Davidson’s criticism of the Scottish Government’s funding decision.
Our advice against school residential visits during the autumn term was made on the basis of public health The appropriateness of all school visits was considered by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues in August. That group concluded that there was a higher risk of virus transmission during schools visits that include an overnight stay. These visits are therefore not advisable. Risk assessed school day visits are permissible and this includes visits to outdoor education centres.
Outdoor education centres provide a valued service and we are supporting them at this challenging time Outdoor learning is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum as it can improve health and wellbeing, attainment and personal and social development. We understand that outdoor education centres are uniquely placed to deliver benefits that are unlikely to be replicated in other educational settings. We also understand that many centres are facing significant financial challenges at this time. That is why we have committed to the following package of support. We have:
Commissioned and funded the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education to develop comprehensive guidance for schools and local authorities on day visits to outdoor education centres. This guidance was published on 14 August 2020.
97
Facilitated a meeting on 7 July 2020 between representatives of outdoor education centres and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland to allow centres to discuss the potential for: . outdoor centres to be used to extend the school estate should physical distancing be required in the months ahead; . experienced outdoor education centre staff to support local authority-employed educators to take learning outdoors during the education recovery phase – The Outward Bound Trust have demonstrated that this can work successfully at Lundavra Primary School, Fort William; and . the use of outdoor education centres to provide immersive, fun and curricular-relevant outdoor experiences that can improve the physical and mental wellbeing of young people transitioning from lockdown.
Committed to continuing to support YouthLink Scotland to offer assistance and guidance to outdoor learning providers in respect of their youth work offer and the links to wider community learning and development policy at a national and local level.
Outdoor education centres have been able to access financial support to reduce the impact of coronavirus Many organisations that run outdoor education centres are from the Third Sector and have therefore been able to apply for support through our £25m Third Sector Resilience Fund. Outdoor education centres can also access financial support through the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We have made repeated representations to the UK Government calling for an extension of the furlough scheme for those that need it most. We have also alerted Third Sector outdoor education centres to the fact that Social Investment Scotland has up to £5m available in fully flexible, 0% interest loans starting at £50,000. Our Programme for Government announced a Third Sector and Communities Recovery fund, which will support organisations to transition to sustainable income streams. Details will be announced in the next few weeks.
We continue to support outdoor learning
98
Residential visits are just one way in which the outdoors can be used to deliver educational outcomes. Learning can also be taken outdoors within the school grounds or at local greenspaces. To support outdoor learning we have: o Funded the development of guidance to help early years and school staff take learning outdoors and offsite. o Provided £862k to support eight local authorities to increase and improve their outdoor learning, which will include the establishment of outdoor nurseries. o Provided a further £159,000 to Living Classrooms to expand its Virtual Nature School programme across the country. o Funded the development of outdoor e-learning courses for teaching and non-teaching staff across Scotland. These courses will be launched in the coming weeks and free to access. o Developed a collection of links to online resources to help practitioners undertake outdoor learning. Worked closely with outdoor learning partners to host a series of profession
------
DOCUMENT NO. 18: EMAIL TRAIL BEGINNING AND ENDING 04 SEPT 2020
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Sent: 04 September 2020 13:55 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Redacted]
Mr Lochhead is content to clear.
[Redacted]
99
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments. Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 04 September 2020 13:26 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Good afternoon,
Outward Bound have told BBC that they will have to close several centres because they have been told schools can’t go on outdoor trips and they are not getting any extra financial support from the government.
I would be grateful for clearance of the following line agreed with policy, comms and spads.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Outdoor education centres can provide young people with a variety of curriculum relevant experiences. At present, the increased risk of virus transmission associated with overnight stays means that the Scottish Government has advised against school residential visits to centres – risk assessed day visits are permitted.
“To support outdoor education centres during this challenging time we have funded the development of guidance for schools and outdoor education centres on safe day visits.”
Background The guidance (hyperlink https://www.goingoutthere.co.uk/wp- content/uploads/2020/08/SAPOE-Coronavirus-reopening-and-operation-of-OEC-and- reintroducing-visits-by-schools-V6.pdf) for outdoor education was published on 14 August.
Thanks [Redacted]
Newsdesk
------
DOCUMENT NO. 19: EMAIL TRAIL AND ATTACHMENTS ENDING 31 AUGUST 2020
100
From: [[email protected]] On Behalf Of Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Sent: 31 August 2020 11:37 To: [[email protected]] >; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
[Redacted]
Thanks for this – Ms Campbell commented that it is useful to see it all set out. Given there is significant resource provided to the organisations already, aside from the outdoor centres, and to avoid lots asking for help via our new fund, this shows what finances are practically like and how the groups are being engaged with to work through solutions.
Thanks, [Redacted]
Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot.
From: [[email protected]] Sent: 28 August 2020 13:44 To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills ; Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Cc: Minister for Children and Young People
Dear [Redacted],
As requested, please find a brief on the impact of the pandemic on the uniformed groups and similar organisations.
Please let me know if Mr Swinney or Ms Campbell require anything further.
Thanks
[Redacted]
Learning Directorate|The Scottish Government
101
From: [[email protected]] > On Behalf Of Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Sent: 26 August 2020 15:13 To: [[email protected]] >; [[email protected]] >; [[email protected]] >; [[email protected]] ; [[email protected]] >; Director of Advanced Learning and Science
Good afternoon
The DFM would appreciate some briefing on where we are with issues faced - as a result of Covid - by uniformed youth organisations and outward bound centres (and similar).
In particular, DFM would be keen to hear:
What support – if any – are we providing? What is the position on reopening? What threats do the sector face – in particular in relation to central resources and HQ functions?
DFM would be very grateful for this information by midday on Friday please.
Please feel free to expand this copy list as necessary. It would be much appreciated if somebody could let me know that this request has been received.
Many thanks
[Redacted]
Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills | Scottish Government | St Andrew's House | Edinburgh | EH1 3DG |Tel: 0131 244 3650/07824482427 | E: [email protected]
All e-mails and attachments sent by a Ministerial Private Office to any other official on behalf of a Minister relating to a decision, request or comment made by a Minister, or a note of a Ministerial meeting, must be filed appropriately by the recipient. Private Offices do not keep official records of such e-mails or attachments.
Scottish Ministers, Special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot
102
------
To: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the uniformed groups and other similar organisations
Introduction
This brief provides an overview of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the uniformed groups and other similar organisations. This overview includes:
the financial impact of the pandemic on the uniformed groups and similar organisations; support provided by the Scottish Government; and the likely impact the reopening of society will have on the organisations in question.
Background to the uniform groups and similar organisations
Scouts Scotland, Girl Guiding Scotland and the Boys’ Brigade (collectively known as the uniformed groups) all undertake activities at both local and national levels. At the local level the uniformed groups are active in communities by forming and promoting recognisable youth groups such as Scout Troops. While at the national level, all of the uniformed groups have run residential outdoor education centres. These centres tend to be situated in remote and rural locations and provide group members and young people from wider society with immersive and fun outdoor adventure and educational activities.
By offering this breadth of services, the uniformed groups operate across two different sectors – community youth work and outdoor education. The sections below therefore consider the financial impact on the pandemic across both sectors.
The financial impact of the pandemic on youth work
At the end of March, YouthLink Scotland surveyed the nation’s Youth Work Sector Leaders on the impact of Covid-19 and their immediate response to the pandemic. The respondents to the survey represented youth work organisations and services across the country, both voluntary and statutory, including all 32 local authorities. By their estimations, Scotland’s National Voluntary Youth Work organisations are facing an income loss of at least £20.5 million this year due to the impact of Covid-19. In addition, 70% of the whole sector believe there will also be significant cuts to youth work budgets and services post Covid-19. The report cites:
Funding priorities post Covid-19 may not include youth work as budgets are stretched further, despite the role of youth workers being be critical as more young people will require mental health support and a trusted adult. Losing valuable momentum with isolated and vulnerable young people, will take a lot of resource to gain back ground.
103
Many organisations could now close as their sustainability was already precarious, with services already impacted by cuts over the last few years.
With services unable to run groups, for which they would collect fees, fundraise, and open buildings they may rely on for income, on top of a sector highly dependent on grant funding and having suffered in a local authority context due to austerity, the sector reports fears for their sustainability.
The financial impact of the pandemic on the running of outdoor education centres
At the start of the pandemic all of the uniformed groups oversaw centrally operated residential outdoor education centres2. These centres are heavily reliant on income generated by visiting school groups and school closures in March 2020 saw all bookings for the summer cancelled.
In May 2020, Scottish Government officials met with a group of organisations who run outdoor education centres. That included representatives from all three uniformed groups. Following that meeting a number of organisations provided detailed financial information relating to the running of their centres and the financial challenges emerging from the pandemic.
We know from that receipt of financial information that in May 2020 the uniformed groups operated 22 outdoor education centres. Seven of these centres were centrally run (3 by the Boys’ Brigade, 1 by Girlguiding Scotland – since closed and 3 by Scouts Scotland) and 15 were run by regional groups (in all cases regional arms of Scouts Scotland). We only have financial information for 8 of the centres but from that we can see that on average each centre faces costs of approximately £32,000 per month without any business3. We can presume similar figures for the other 14 centres run by the uniformed groups that we don’t have financial information for. A more detailed overview of centres run by the uniformed groups can be found at Annex A.
Across all third sector run outdoor education centres in Scotland we estimate the average running cost per month is approximately £43,000 per month. Many of organisations that run these centres, including the uniformed groups, had hoped that school residential visits could recommence from August 2020. However, the Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues has considered the matter of school visits and determined that day visits may recommence in August (if properly risk assessed) but that residential visits are still not advisable as they increase the risk of virus transmission. The advice against school residential visits has provided a further challenge for the uniformed groups as many of their centres are too remote and rural to effectively host school day visits rather than residentials.
The impact of trying to meet these costs amidst losses of income since March has been illustrated this month by the closure of the centre operated by Girlguiding Scotland and the announcement by Scouts Scotland that they will make 60% of their staff across their three national centres redundant.
2 Girlguiding Scotland announced the permanent closure of their outdoor education centre in August 2020 as a result of lost income due to the pandemic. 3 At present a significant percentage of these costs are covered by the UK Government Furlough Scheme.
104
In acknowledgement that recent Scottish Government advice against residential school visits in the autumn would have a significant impact on providers of school residential experiences, the Deputy First Minister requested advice on the development of a potential support fund. A submission advising that a fund of approximately £5.5m would be required to support just third sector centres from August to the end of December was provided on 19 August 2020 and copied to Ms Campbell. We are currently awaiting a response from Mr Swinney.
We expect more announcements of redundancies and centres closures in the coming days. This is primarily because employers are required to provide 12 weeks’ notice for redundancies and we are approximately 12 weeks from the end of the furlough scheme.
Support provided by the Scottish Government
Youth work
Scottish Government funding to the youth work sector has remained fairly static over the past 4 years, predominantly given in grant and project funding. Annex B represents our best understanding of the grant funding that went to the sector in 2019/20 and 2020/21. Annex C represents our best understanding of money that has gone to the youth work and outdoor sector as part of the Covid-19 emergency funding.
The Minister for Further Education Higher Education and Science is working with representatives of the CLD sector through his High Level Ministerial Group which meets regularly to highlight and respond to sector concerns, including youth work. The Minister has written to sector leaders to inform them of the work and progress this group is making.
On 23 July 2020, DFM announced a £3m investment in youth work to support education recovery. The CLD policy team are currently finalising a service contract with YouthLink Scotland to deliver this funding. The anticipated launch date will 16th September and more detailed briefing on this will follow once the service contract is agreed.
Officials are working across Scottish Government to develop a Youth Work Cross Policy Group to improve the coherence of all youth work related policy and its respective funding.
Outdoor education centres
Centres operated by the uniformed groups and similar organisations have benefited from the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) as well receiving smaller amounts through Scottish Government initiatives such as the Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF) and/or Wellbeing Fund. However, it should be noted that none of the uniformed groups (applying as national organisations) were able to access support through the TSRF. This is because they held more than 12 weeks of financial reserves at the time of the applications. In addition, the support provided by either the UK or Scottish Government’s has not, in general, covered all costs associated with maintaining outdoor education centres.
Following the meeting between SG officials and representatives of centres (outlined in paragraph 7), a submission was sent to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills outlining that £7.35 million has been requested from about half of
105 outdoor education centres in Scotland to allow them to survive until visitor numbers return to a viable level. It was advised that, given the already significant impact on Scottish Government budgets, that a package of non-financial support should be offered. Mr Swinney agreed with this proposal.
On 17 June 2020, Scottish Government officials responded to the funding request from outdoor education centres and outlined that we were unable to provide that level of funding. We did however, alert third sector organisations to the fact that Social Investment Scotland have up to £5m available in fully flexible, 0% interest loans starting at £50,000. In place of funding the Scottish Government committed to providing a package of non-financial support which consisted of:
Commissioning and funding the Scottish Advisory Panel on Outdoor Education (SAPOE) to set up a sub-group tasked with developing detailed guidance on recommencing safe visits to outdoor education centres for schools and local authorities; and collating and communicating evidence of the educational value of visits to outdoor education centres.
Note: This guidance was published on 14 August 2020 and a representative from Scouts Scotland was part of the sub-group.
Facilitating a meeting between representatives of outdoor education centres and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES). This meeting gave outdoor education centres access to strategic decision makers within local authorities and provided a platform from which outdoor education centres could discuss the potential for: o experienced outdoor education centre staff to support local authority employed educators to take learning outdoors during the education recovery phase; o outdoor education centres to be used to provide space for learning at a safe physical distance – should this be required at points throughout the school year; and o the use of outdoor education centres to provide immersive, fun and curricular relevant outdoor experiences that can improve the physical and mental wellbeing of young people transitioning from a period of lockdown.
Note: this meeting took place on 7 July. None of the uniformed groups were present but had an opportunity to nominate a representative.
The Scottish Government continuing to support YouthLink Scotland to offer assistance and guidance to outdoor learning providers in respect of their youth work offer and the links to wider community learning and development policy at a national and local level.
Scouts Scotland have generally been critical of the support package saying that it does not go far enough. They have sent in numerous pieces of correspondence to Scottish Ministers requesting that dedicated funding be provided.
The impact of reopening society
Youth work
106
We expect that covid related disruption to youth work will continue to decline in the weeks and months ahead. This is because, in line with Scotland's route map, the First Minister announced outdoor youth work could resume from Monday 13 July, in line with public health guidelines. In addition, indoor youth work is set to resume on Monday 31 August, also in line with public health guidelines and all relevant sectoral guidance.
Outdoor education centres
The impact of the reopening of society on outdoor education centres in more complex. The aforementioned Scottish Government advice issued to schools on 14 August promoted the recommencement of properly risk assessed school day visits. This could provide some level of business for outdoor education centres including those run by the uniformed groups. However, many centres are too rural to allow day visits to take place. As such, centres face having to rapidly refocus provision or risk permanent closure.
We have committed to keeping school visit advice under review but it is likely that the scientific advice will not change before the new year. This will mean school residentials will be unlikely to recommence until spring 2021 at the earliest. By this point in time it is possible and perhaps likely that many outdoor education centres will have already closed permanently.
107
ANNEX A
[Redacted under Section 33(1)(b) of FOISA]
ANNEX B SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF YOUTH WORK, YOUTH PARTICIPATION & CHILDREN’S RIGHTS 2019/20 – 2020/21
Note: This is a complex policy area, the table below is our best understanding of th payments made last year and to-date this year.
Organisation Purpose of Grant Amount for 2020/21 2019/20 (£) Core Funding – to carry out research and 620k 620k represent youth work across Scotland Scottish Attainment Challenge Funding – 106k 109k to promote the value of youth work in schools YouthLink Scotland Cashback for Communities Funding 820k 897k To support the development of National 500k 500k Voluntary Organisations Development of the National Youth Work 45k n/a Strategy Young Scot To provide an information and advice 975k 975k service to young people Raising awareness of children’s rights - 52k n/a Coproduction contract (this involved Children in Scotland as a sub-contracted partner of Young Scot) Youth Scotland To develop an awards network recognising 50k 50k the importance of Youth Awards such as DofE and to develop community based youth work Youth Scotland Cashback for Communities Funding 713k 562k Clan Childlaw To work in the interests of children and 84k 70k youth justice Together To promote the UN Convention on the 70k 70k Rights of the Child Other Youth Cashback for Communities Funding 4.7m 4.4m Organisations Sub Total 8.3m 8.2m
Grant-based core funding of over £1.6m to national Third Sector organisations through the CYPFEI & ALEC Fund: Relevant Youth Organisations Amount 2019/20 Amount 2020/21 Youth Parliament £325k £325k
108
Children’s Parliament £235k £235k Clan Childlaw £22k £22k Apex Scotland £80k £80k Boys' Brigade Scotland £60k £60k Duke of Edinburgh's Award £50k £50k Fast Forward £100k £100k Girls' Brigade Scotland £100k £100k Guide Association Scotland £60k £60k John Muir Trust £20k £20k LGBT Youth Scotland £75k £75k Prince's Trust £150k £150k Rathbone Scotland £25k £25k Re-Solv £48k £48k Scottish Child Law Centre £140 £140 Scouts Scotland £60k £60k Together £48k £48k Venture Trust, The £45k £45k Woodcraft Folk £17k £17k Working Rite £40k £40k YMCA Scotland £80k £80k Youth Scotland £206k £206k SubTotal £1.618m £1.618m
109
ANNEX C
Scottish Government’s £350 million fund to support welfare and wellbeing in response to the Covid-19 health crisis
Note: Due to the criteria used to apply for this fund it is difficult to be precise regarding youth work beneficiaries, however, the table below represents officials’ best understanding of recipients from the youth work sector.
From Immediate Priorities Fund (some organisations were funded more than once):
Organisation Funding Young Scot £46,992 Barnardo’s £178,000 Action for Children £202,000
Aberlour £100,000 Children 1st £75,000 NSPCC Childline £60,000
Youthlink £50,000 Stop It Now! Scotland £15,236
Cash For Kids £500,000 Action for Children 400,000 Barnardo's 270,000 Young Scot 200,000 Barnardo's £180,000 £2,277,228
Wellbeing Fund
Organisation Funding (£) YouthLink Scotland 72,500 The Boys' Brigade in Scotland 10,000 Paisley YMCA 18,580 Scouts Scotland 21,306 Venture Trust 93, 189 Youth Scotland 84,795 Young Scot 85, 767 Apex Scotland 39, 084 Working Rite 18,435 Kirkcaldy YMCA 43,852 Bellshill & Mossend YMCA 22,400 Paisley YMCA 18,580 Tain & District Youth Café YMCA 11,187 YMCA Edinburgh SCIO 5,623
110
Scottish Outdoor Education Centres 98,465 Limited Rock UK Adventure Centres Ltd 32,893 Lapwing Lodge Outdoor Centre (Lapwing 8,303 Lodge is owned and run by West Region Scout Council) TOTAL 817,684
112