LOtC Mark (Gold) Award Self Evaluation Form

LOtC Mark (Gold) recognises exemplary LOtC provision in schools and other educational organisations and indicates that an organisation is a leader in ensuring that all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom. In order to be considered for the award an organisation must declare that it meets the Gold criteria; an assessment visit will then be arranged to all organisations to follow up on the paper application, where a portfolio of evidence will need to be provided. This assessment visit will also act as a consultancy service, making recommendations for further improvement of LOtC within the school.
Guidance notes have been developed to help organisationsbest identify the evidence to support their application. CLOtC strongly recommend that the appropriate guidance notes are consulted before the form is completed.
Organisation Name: / Organisation Address:
Contact name:
Email address:
Phone number: / Type of organisation (e.g. nursery, primary, secondary, SEN, etc.):
Number of pupils on the roll:
  1. The organisation has a stated commitment to providing and developing learning outside the classroom experiences for all pupils

  1. A 'whole organisation' approach to LOtC is outlined in the organisation's mission statement and in any promotional materials.
  1. A named person/team is responsible for overseeing LOtC delivery and development.
  1. A creative approach to curriculum interpretation is instilled in all teaching staff through induction and ongoing CPD. All new teaching staff (not just NQTs) are given a full LOtC induction with LOtC mentoring available in their first year.
  1. Staff are supported to engage with LOtC, and regular training and/or mentoring is provided.
  1. Parental engagement is actively sought; parents are kept up to date with LOtC development and activities.
  1. Inclusive frequent, continuous and progressive LOtC is available to all pupils.
  1. LOtC policies aim to ensure that no pupil is excluded from any LOtC activity.
  1. LOtC is fully integrated into all subject policies.
  1. LOtC guidance documents are available to teachers on all activities and subjects.
  1. LOtC is highlighted at every opportunity as an important part of delivering the curriculum - for example via prospectus, brochures, and self-evaluation forms for external inspections.

  1. The organisation plans learning effectively

  1. LOtC is fully integrated into the organisation improvement / development plan and all curriculum and learning plans.
  1. LOtC is fully integrated into all parts of the curriculum.
  1. LOtC is designed with specific learning outcomes in mind.
  1. A range of different age and ability appropriate activities and experiences are provided.
  1. Full use is made of all LOtC activities and experiences through effective preparation and follow up work.
  1. There is a gradual and continual progression in the level of challenge involved, tailored to each pupil and planned across subject areas.
  1. Where external providers are used the organisation ensures that the educational quality and risk management level is appropriate; for example by checking for accreditation such as the LOtC Quality Badge.
  1. Good practice in LOtC is informed by external advice and support.
  1. A flexible approach to curriculum design is taken, with lesson duration and project structuring designed in response to the needs of the pupils.
  1. Activities that support cross-curriculum learning outcomes are fully integrated, frequent, continuous and progressive.
  1. LOtC is fully integrated across the curriculum and a part of everyday organisational life.
  1. All pupils have the opportunity to be actively involved in planning LOtC.
  1. LOtC experiences and activities are offered in a wide range of different educational sectors, e.g.heritage; built environment; natural environment, etc.
  1. All adults and pupils involved in an activity are encouraged to be alert to opportunities for follow-up work or links with another subject/area.

  1. The organisation makes good use of all available resources in designing and delivering LOtC

  1. Full, innovative and imaginative use is made of any grounds.
  1. The surrounding area and local community are regularly used to facilitate LOtC.
  1. The organisation has strong links with the local community, including parents, families and other schools; and exploits these links to facilitate LOtC.
  1. The organisation has strong links with local businesses and other organisations, and those further afield, in order to widen the LOtC opportunities available.
  1. The organisation ensures that all pupils have suitable clothing available so that weather is not a barrier to LOtC.
  1. The organisation ensures that all staff have access to ongoing CPD opportunities to develop their skills.

  1. The organisation effectively monitors and evaluates the impact of LOtC

  1. In addition to evaluating academic progress, the organisation has procedures in place to monitor less tangible outcomes, e.g. behaviour, level of engagement and confidence.
  1. Records are kept of improvements in all areas and these are communicated to parents and governors, both as statistics and as individual reports/case studies.
  1. Each pupil’s LOtC development is planned and monitored, records are used in evaluating the success of LOtC activities.

  1. The organisation manages risk and the perception of risk effectively

  1. A robustLOtC policy is in place covering activities both on and off site.
  1. Standard risk benefit assessments are in place for all types of activity.
  1. There is a blanket parental consent in place for offsite activities as part of the school day.
  1. There is an appointed Educational Visits Coordinator or other nominated teacher to ensure effective risk management on out of school LOtC experiences. He or she will ensure that the educational quality and risk management level of every LOtC experience is appropriate; for example by checking for accreditation such as the LOtC Quality Badge.
  1. Effective use of preliminary visits is made to supportcreating goodrisk management plans.
  1. Staff undergo regular training and collaborate effectively in writing risk management plans.
  1. Staff understand the principle of risk benefit assessment and policies, plans and generic risk assessments reflect this.

  1. The organisation is actively engaged in promoting the benefits of LOtC

  1. A regular update of LOtC activities and the motives behind them is sent to parents, governors and community partners.
  1. Achievements are celebrated throughout the organisation population.
  1. Staff members participate in LOtC networks to support other organisations in improving their LOtC provision.
  1. The organisation contributes to wider LOtC CPD & education, e.g. by providing case studies to the LOtC website, LOtC newsletter or other relevant media, joining CLOtC as a member school, etc

School contact signature
Name:
Date of submission: / Signature:

CLOtC

LOtC Mark Gold Self-Assessment Form

April 2016 Page 1 of 1

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