IOL News

One million lives. Nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the United Kingdom are not in education, employment or training. One in 8 young people. And rising. Behind the statistics lie individual lives: aspirations thwarted, opportunities lost, futures placed on hold.

Would you know what to do if you got into difficulty in the water? Float by following these five simple steps – it could save your life.

Phase One of the Jobs Guarantee provides a fully subsidised 6-month paid job to eligible 18 to 24 year olds who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months. Through the scheme, DWP will fund 100% of eligible employment costs for 25 hours a week at the relevant minimum wage for a maximum of 6 months, alongside wraparound support to help participants succeed and move into sustained employment.

Read the IOL Impact Report 2025-2026 to find out all the amazing work that has been done over the last year.

Following the announcement that the Level 5 Outdoor Learning Specialist Apprenticeship is to be defunded, MP Tim Farron tables Early Day Motion 3028

The Level 5 Outdoor Learning Specialist Apprenticeship is one of sixteen apprenticeships that will be defunded as ministers attempt to divert training funding towards young people.

30 MPs have already signed up. Has your MP?

Tuesday 24th March 2026 Room N, Portcullis House 11.30am to 12.30pm

The strategy sets out the government’s 10-year plan to improve the education estate in England to deliver a decade of national renewal

Self-employed workers and personal employees can now apply for Enhanced DBS checks

New national analysis indicates North–South differences in school residential visits in England

EDM (Early Day Motion)2521: tabled on 17 December 2025 Tabled in the 2024-26 session. This motion has been signed by 18 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted.

The Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill will place a legal duty on councils to ensure school pupils can access residential outdoor education trips.

Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill - Briefing Prior to Stage 3, 16th December 2025

Natural England published its 2025 Childrens’ People and Nature Survey (CPaNS) this morning (10 December 2025).

The Government has today launched its first National Youth Strategy in 20 years, pledging over £500 million investment to rebuild youth services over the next decade. 

On 19th November the Bill completed Stage 2 with a discussion of tabled amendments.

PRESS RELEASE - Government to set out plans to bring the curriculum into the modern day and help young people step into the future

We cover everything from teacher tips on embedding learning from school visits and the power of residentials, to advice for communicating with parents and providers before, during and after a trip

The APPG outdoor Learning is holding its inaugural meeting on 29th October and please do share this invite with your constituency MP

The Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill set to reach next stage (Stage 2) as funding is secured this week

Tim Farron MP has opened the Lib Dem Conference with a Nature Premium commitment

Outdoors For All: Recommendations for Government on Access to Nature

Evidencing the practice that keeps people safe in the outdoors

Brathay Trust has successfully secured a significant development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its ‘Brathay Blueprint: Boats, Buildings and Brighter Futures’ project

The Institute for Outdoor Learning has been working to support the Blue Peris Mountain Centre in North Wales as it faces a sudden decision to close.

Exciting tender opportunity for education and outdoor learning professionals!

A Consultation on the Future of Youth Work Qualifications - Outcomes Report

The National Outdoor Learning Award scheme (NOLA) recognises and captures the personal development outcomes of participants during a residential or regular outdoor learning experience.

Key Points and Reflections from a ‘State of the Nation’ Report

The new All Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Recreation & Access to Nature recently held its inaugural meeting.

Department for Culture, Media & Sport launch Adventures Away from Home Fund

MP Tim Farron was granted a Westminster Hall Debate on Outdoor Learning Weds 11th June 4pm.

The APPG for Outdoor Learning was launched on the 6th May 2025

The Institute for Outdoor Learning Impact Report shares the outcomes of the charity’s strategic development plan and activities.

Spending time in the natural world provides a sense of balance and belonging. For young people, access to nature is so important for helping to build confidence, life skills, and a sense of perspective.

Launching an APPG for Outdoor Learning - The APPG meeting will be held at 13.00 on 6th May

Wellbeing Benefits of Outdoor Education 1st April 2025 Event Report

Liz Smith S6M-16789 - That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill.

Campaigners have been calling for the qualification for years but plan stalled despite a curriculum being drawn up

Boys and young men are in crisis.

The Curriculum Review, best practice, and options for improvement and implementation

UK Youth are wishing to connect with employers who can offer placements for The Summer Jobs Programme.

The Mountain Training Safety Report 2024 provides an overview of key safety trends, risks, and recommendations within the Mountain Training community as they relate to the activities of climbing, walking and mountaineering.

We are delighted to inform you that the eagerly awaited redesigned John Muir Award will be open for registrations the week commencing 24 March 2025.

A Glasgow-based outdoor activity company has been sentenced for health and safety failings which led to the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy on the River Tay.

DfE Guidance on Alternative Provision 2025

NI Education Minister invests £4million in outdoor learning equipment for schools

From April 2025, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) will update arrangements for adventure activities licensing provision.

2025 Scottish School Grounds Survey in partnership with Learning through Landscapes, Play Scotland and NatureScot.

Please can you take 5-10 minutes to complete one survey - please go to the one appropriate to you. The surveys close on January 31st. A report based on the surveys findings will be published in 2025.

New Nature Connection website brings together policy, practice and research

We would like to see the Government introduce a Nature Premium that would guarantee ALL children and young people regular and ongoing nature experiences with additional funding for those who need it most.

Published on Global Outdoor Learning Day to celebrate the powerful impact of the outdoors on education and personal development.

The DfE Curriculum and Assessment Review has been set up to review the national curriculum and statutory assessment system in England from ages 5-19, including qualification pathways.

UK National Association for Environmental Education

‘This is a very detailed report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and there are a number of very significant findings and recommendations for anyone operating on the water with people with disabilities. I do recommend having a read and sharing with your teams. It makes very sobering reading.’ Sean Day Chief Executive, Lake District Calvert Trust

Schools for Nature report published by WWF today finds that UK schoolchildren are missing out on the benefits of connecting with nature, with only 24% of schools providing daily opportunities to experience nature.

The IOL is supporting and engaging with the Climate Ambassadors scheme.

Watch the video - where IOL members plan to celebrate the powerful impact of the outdoors on education and personal development

Twelve-year-old Louis Watkiss died after an accident at the Snowdome at Tamworth on 24 September 2021

The report highlights that the voluntary and community sector (VCS) continues to fill the gap of increasing need.

Recent gathering in the IOL East Region

Make your IOL Membership work harder for you!

13th September – 13th October. BMC are looking for walk leaders to support the YHA Festival of Walking.

After an almost 40-year campaign, a stunning but little-known UK landscape has been awarded world heritage status.

Ordnance Survey is running a social media challenge each Saturday during August, with a grand reward for the first sleuth to find a selected trig point.

FSC welcome Nathan Whittaker to the team and know he will offer the visitors and students who spend time at FSC Flatford Mill an unforgettable experience in outdoor education.

Guidance from the RSPB. Climate change means wildfires are becoming more common in the UK.

A useful and well presented pack of guidance. For primary school teachers in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

July and Sept online and in-person events related to the National Education Nature Park.

How to tell the difference between UK reptiles.