New DfE Enrichment Framework: What It Means for Schools and Outdoor Learning
The Department for Education's new Enrichment Framework puts a renewed focus on giving every young person opportunities to learn, develop and discover their strengths beyond the classroom. We explore what this means for schools and how outdoor enrichment programmes can help bring these ambitions to life.
A new focus on enrichment in schools
In June 2026, the Department for Education published its new Enrichment Framework for Schools and Colleges, recognising the important role that experiences beyond the classroom play in young people's education and personal development.
The framework encourages schools to provide a broad and inclusive range of enrichment opportunities, helping pupils develop essential life skills, build confidence, explore new interests and feel a greater sense of belonging.
It identifies five key areas of enrichment:
Nature, outdoors and adventure
Sport and physical activity
Arts and culture
Civic engagement
Wider life and future skills
For schools, this provides an opportunity to review existing enrichment activities, identify gaps and consider how different experiences can support their pupils' needs.
Why outdoor enrichment matters
At Bear Creek Adventures, we've always believed that different environments create new opportunities to shine. Not every child discovers their strengths in the same setting. A pupil who is quiet in the classroom might become a confident leader during a team challenge. Another might discover a talent for problem solving while building a shelter, navigating a river or learning to paddle a canoe.
Outdoor activities offer opportunities to develop skills that extend far beyond the activity itself, including teamwork, communication, resilience, independence and decision making.
They also give young people the chance to experience something new, connect with nature, build friendships and enjoy a sense of achievement.
Importantly, outdoor enrichment complements classroom education, giving pupils opportunities to apply existing skills and discover new ones through practical, hands on experiences.
Outdoor environments also provide opportunities to connect learning with the natural world. Exploring rivers, woodlands and local habitats can encourage curiosity about wildlife, ecosystems and conservation, helping young people develop a greater understanding of the environment and the importance of looking after it.
What does the new framework mean for schools?
The DfE's framework introduces eight benchmarks to help schools review, develop and evaluate their enrichment provision.
These include offering a broad range of activities, making enrichment accessible, developing partnerships with external organisations and considering the outcomes of different experiences.
For schools, this doesn't necessarily mean organising more one off trips. It means thinking about how enrichment fits into the wider school experience and how activities can contribute to pupils' personal development.
A carefully planned programme of outdoor activities, for example, could support a school's priorities around teamwork, confidence, wellbeing, engagement or developing wider life skills.
Schools can also work with experienced external providers to introduce activities and environments that may not be available on their own premises.
How Bear Creek Adventures can support your school
We work with primary, secondary and independent schools across Shropshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and the surrounding areas to deliver outdoor adventures, education and enrichment programmes tailored to different ages, abilities and learning objectives.
Our activities take place across a variety of outdoor environments, including the River Severn, Kinver and Wolverley Canal, local woodlands and scout camps, with new opportunities at Arley Arboretum coming soon. Our programmes can also incorporate elements of environmental education, from observing riverside wildlife and exploring woodland habitats to introducing the importance of conservation and caring for our natural surroundings.
Depending on your school's objectives, programmes can include:
Canoeing, kayaking and river exploration: Developing teamwork, communication and confidence while discovering the River Severn's wildlife, habitats and natural environment, with opportunities to introduce river studies and conservation awareness.
Bushcraft and woodland activities: Encouraging problem-solving, creativity, independence and an appreciation of the natural environment.
Climbing and outdoor challenges: Helping pupils approach new challenges, support one another and develop resilience.
Archery and team activities: Creating opportunities for concentration, coordination, cooperation and personal achievement.
Duke of Edinburgh expeditions: Supporting independence, teamwork, navigation and expedition skills.
We can organise individual activity days or work with schools to develop a series of enrichment sessions, creating opportunities for pupils to build on their experiences over time.
Making enrichment accessible and meaningful
One of the central ambitions of the new framework is to ensure that enrichment opportunities reach all young people, including those who may face barriers to participation.
We understand that schools have different needs, budgets and priorities. That's why we work closely with teachers to explore suitable activities, locations and programme formats.
Our aim is to make outdoor enrichment straightforward to organise, enjoyable to participate in and purposeful for the young people taking part.
With over 40 years of combined paddling and expedition experience, alongside 20 years of experience working with schools through Acorn Adventure, our team brings together outdoor operational expertise and an understanding of school trip planning and organisation.
Planning your school's enrichment programme for 2027
With the new DfE framework providing a clearer direction for enrichment, now is a good time for schools to review their provision and consider opportunities for the coming year.
Whether you're looking for a one-off outdoor adventure, a programme of regular enrichment sessions or activities to support particular personal development objectives, we'd be delighted to explore the possibilities with you.
At Bear Creek Adventures, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover what they're capable of. Sometimes, all it takes is a different environment.
Get in touch with us today to discuss outdoor enrichment opportunities for your school.
Call- 01384 929078
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