MP Tim Farron has made the case for outdoor education to be a key part of the Government’s plans to help children catch up with their learning this summer.

On the floor of the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, Mr Farron encouraged ministers to look at a proposal drawn up by Cumbrian charity Brathay about bringing outdoor education professionals into schools to re-engage children with learning and support their mental health.

Speaking in Parliament Mr Farron said: “I’ve raised with the prime minister directly the issue of the Government directly commissioning outdoor education centres, of which there are dozens in Cumbria which are excellent, to make use of their skills and talents to help re-engage young people with a love of learning.

“Would he engage with me and with Brathay, the charity in my constituency that has written the draft proposal to see if we can make that a reality in schools right across the country, not just in Cumbria?”

In response, the Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb, said: “We share the honourable gentleman’s ambitions.

“These outdoor education centres are wonderful places, no more wonderful than in the Lake District where he represents.

“I’d be very happy to discuss these issues with him further.”