What steps has the Minister taken to support the reopening of rural outdoor educations centres in Wales, given the estimated £40 million in lost revenue experienced by the sector and the 500,000 pupil bed nights lost across the period?
I have announced, with the Minister for Economy Transport and North Wales, a fund will be established to support the residential outdoor education sector in Wales with an initial allocation of £2m. It will provide eligible centres across Wales with support to cover essential operating costs during the period June to September 2021.
I know that outdoor education providers, particularly residential providers, have been impacted significantly by the restrictions in place to control the virus – not just here in Wales, but across the UK. While many organisations in the sector have accessed Welsh Government support during the pandemic, there is a need to ensure support continues to be available when necessary. This fund will support the residential outdoor education sector in Wales.