Written question asked by Martyn Jones (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 November 1996. It was answered by Robin Squire (Conservative) on Monday, 4 November 1996 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: What research she has (a)evaluated and (b)commissioned regarding the educational benefits of having nursery schools with on-site nature gardens. - Inc ref to "The Outdoor Classroom".

Answer: Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research she has (a) evaluated and (b) commissioned regarding the educational benefits of having nursery schools with on-site nature gardens; and if she will make a statement. [1589] Mr. Robin Squire: The Government wish to encourage schools to make the best use of all their resources, both indoors and outside. The Department has a good record of research into the educational value and effective management of outdoor resources for all types of school, including nursery schools. In the mid-1980s the Department, the Countryside Commission and several local education authorities jointly commissioned research whose main conclusions reached a wide audience through the 1990 Department of Education and Science publication, "The Outdoor Classroom". The Department intends shortly to publish further advice entitled "School Grounds: a guide to good practice". This will also draw on commissioned research and the experience of the Learning Through Landscapes trust.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1589; 284 c372W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Education Pre-school education Playgrounds Recreation spaces Schools Landscape design