Education awards given to 21 waterway locations

The visits are run by our Explorers team who run a scheme linked to the National Curriculum. It aims to teach children about the wonders of their local waterways and how to enjoy them safely.

The programme sees trained, locally-based education volunteers running fun-filled activities for school and youth groups. Children learn about their local area, science and technology. So far, over 35,000 children discovered their local canal or river with help from the Explorers team.

Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the LOtC Quality Badge is a national standard that lets teachers know that the sessions are educational, enjoyable and safe.

Memorable experiences

Annette Simpson from the Canal & River Trust education team, said: “We’re thrilled to have so many destinations awarded the badge, it’s a real testament to the great work our education volunteers do. School trips are among the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life, and our team work hard to make them as engaging and exciting as possible, making young people as passionate about the waterways as we are.  We look forward to welcoming even more children to the waterways in the years to come.”

Elaine Skates, chief executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom said: “The LOtC Quality Badge offers teachers a guarantee that not only is a venue providing the sort of educational value that they can build on in class long after the visit, but they also have the appropriate risk management structures in place.”

Sites awarded the badge include:

• Gloucester Waterways Museum
• Foxton Locks
• Anderton Boat Lift
• Standedge Tunnel
• Brecon & Goytre Wharf

Find out more about organising a school visit to one of our canals or rivers