Why is it important to keep the Arran Outdoor Education Centre (AOEC) open?

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 FACTS ABOUT OUTDOOR EDUCATION ON ARRAN

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1. Outdoor Education is important to the well-being of our children.  

Research has shown that it helps them to develop the personal resources to cope with the challenges of life by boosting self-confidence,  physical and mental health, resilience, self-esteem and optimism. 
 

2. “Studies have shown that the UK has among the lowest levels of well-being in the whole of Europe 

and it is still declining in our children”  For example, at the age of 15  British children on average are lowest for having a sense of purpose and have the second highest level of sadness. Source -OECD PISA Study  The AOEC is not a luxury it is a valuable part of the Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning in North Ayrshire. 

 

3. Residential Outdoor Education is of particular benefit.  

The whole experience builds independence and resilience, boosts self-confidence and self-worth Children are away from home in a safe environment, are exposed to other people, sharing new experiences and are immersed in nature. They are tackling and overcoming challenges, working with other people and developing relationships, results in new skills and aspirations and can be life-changing.

 

4. The benefits of  Outdoor Education to health and well-being are well documented and should be a priority.

Young people, in particular, have suffered from social isolation  during the COVID 19 pandemic. It has had a detrimental effect on all in society but children are now less physically active and spend more time on social media, all of which are barriers to good health and well-being.

 

5 Outdoor Education educates young people about nature, biodiversity and the environment. As the world faces the effects of climate change educating the next generation to feel environmentally responsible and to be optimistic is essential to prepare them for the future.  
 

6. AOEC represents excellent value for money. Despite claims in local media that the centre costs over £500,000, this is completely inaccurate. The projected cost to the council this year is actually £298,000, as outlined in the latest consultation survey—over £200,000 less than last year. This cost primarily reflects the subsidised rate offered to North Ayrshire schools and organisations, allowing them to access high-quality residential outdoor education at nearly half the commercial rate applied to non-NAC-based users. These subsidies are essential to AOEC’s mission and ensure the service remains affordable. If the centre were to close, North Ayrshire Schools and users would face higher costs, with funds flowing out of the region, contradicting NAC's commitment to community wealth-building

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7. The people employed and their families live and spend on Arran contributing to island community life.  The taxpayer's money spent by NAC on AOEC  helps the island economy. Suppliers are mostly local so there are direct benefits to local businesses. NAC has a policy of helping islands to thrive.  A high % of the island population is over the age of 60 so encouraging younger working people to the island and retaining them is vital.
 

8. AOEC also runs courses which contribute to the economy of the island by giving training to people involved in Outdoor businesses and pursuits on the island and by increasing the safety and well-being of those adults who gain skills and confidence in pursuing their hobby or business.
 

9. AOEC and its excellent facilities have been used as a centre for resilience during Covid and in the past during island emergencies. It is ideally suited and placed to be a headquarters for coordinating and planning action during times of trouble.
 

10. AOEC is well-managed and is a leader in good practice and excellence in the field of Outdoor Education. Its staff are well trained, and qualified with years of experience they offer the best and safest possible experience to all age groups and abilities

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11. No matter the children's background all children in North Ayrshire can experience Outdoor Education on Arran. In comparison to other local authority schools, all North Ayrshire schools only pay half the fees per pupil. The other half is paid for either by the users(parents) or by other funding steams access able the schools and other groups such as central government PEF funding,  North Ayrshire taxpayers via NAC locality funding as well as various other funding options. This far-reaching political choice by North Ayrshire Councillors allows schools no matter what district within NAC, & no matter the child's background the opportunity to experience Outdoor Education in a residential setting

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12. NAC Community Wealth Building policy would be broken as this would mean schools would have to pay double the cost and spend those funds in an area outwith North Ayrshire. If  NAC decide to close AOEC.

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13. For all these reasons, closing this UK leading outdoor children’s facility would be short-sighted—especially given the very real possibility that within the next 12 months, the Scottish Parliament could vote to make residential outdoor education a statutory requirement for every local authority.