Ed Balls last week signalled the end of the red tape culture that can surround school visits as he announced the first 65 organisations to be awarded a Quality Badge for the provision of learning outside the classroom experiences.

The Quality Badge scheme is part of the Government’s £4.5m Out and About package which, along with the badges, provides guidance and information for teachers on how to plan and organise high quality activities that enhance teaching in subject areas.

Ed Balls said he wanted to see as many children as possible taking part in learning outside the classroom as part of their school lives and called on teachers to use the scheme to make informed decisions about suitable venues.

Under the scheme, organisations will display the badge as a signal to schools that their venue has met the required standard, so teachers do not need to carry out their own risk or quality assessments.