§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the subject of outdoor education; what changes he proposes to make in the provision and funding of such education; and if he will make a statement. [66485]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisUnder the new maintained school funding system which takes effect from April 1999, local education authorities will be able to retain funding centrally to support outdoor education centres, as they have been able to do under present arrangements for Local Management of Schools. This reflects representations from Local Education Authorities and others following the publication last year of the consultation paper "Fair Funding".
The Government is also committed to increasing the range of opportunities that young people have to take part in learning activities outside school hours. To this end, we are making £180 million of Lottery money available across the UK through the New Opportunities Fund to support such activities. The draft application guidance produced by the New Opportunities Fund includes adventurous outdoor activities among those which may be eligible for funding. The New Opportunities Fund will be formally inviting applications later in the Spring.