A SPECIAL school has been named top of the class for learning outside the classroom.

White Ash Primary School in Oswaldtwistle has achieved a national award for its approach to outside learning.

Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the Thwaites Road school was said to have proved it has policies and practices in place to ensure that high quality learning away from the classroom.

The school has been awarded a Silver LOtC (learning outside the classroom) Mark.

Angela Hill, a White Ash Primary School spokesman, said “Being awarded this Silver Mark is a real coup for all the staff and governors as it shows that we are really making strides in providing our pupils with potentially life-changing opportunities.

"We're thrilled to get official recognition for our efforts and we look forward to building on this award to continue to improve our LOtC provision.”

Education bosses said the LOtC Mark was intended not only to recognise existing exemplary provision, but also to assist and support schools in developing their outdoor education to enable all children to have access to meaningful experiences.

LOtC Mark is the only national accreditation for schools which recognises, and supports, the development of learning outside the classroom across all subject areas.

Only 130 schools across the country have achieved the award.

Ofsted said learning outside the classroom is known to contribute significantly to raising standards, improving pupils’ personal, social and emotional development.

It also contributes to the quality and depth of learning.

Elaine Skates, chief executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, said: “Learning outside the classroom provides the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life.

"The LOtC Silver Mark demonstrates that the school is committed to delivering genuinely valuable learning outside the classroom experiences to all of their children and young people, and to continuing to develop that provision.

"I congratulate White Ash Primary school.”