A residential trip is an immersive experience in which students stay away from home and school to participate in educational and recreational, often adventurous activities.
During a residential trip, students may engage in outdoor adventure, team-building exercises, environmental studies or cultural exploration, all of which can help develop a range of skills.
Taking part in a residential trip can enhance a child's personal and physical development. Most residential trips take place in nature, enabling children to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for the environment.
Despite the large body of evidence on the benefits of residentials for children's development, several providers have exited the market or reduced provision in recent years due to rising costs. This has been compounded by the government enforced closure of the National Citizen Service in March, a key funder of residential placements for teenagers through its youth social action programme.
What funding and provision for residential experiences is included in the new National Youth Strategy when it is published later this year could be crucial for ensuring providers are able to offer more places to disadvantaged children.
CYP Now's special report on residential experiences highlights key policy developments and showcases examples of good practice among youth work and education organisations in delivering residential adventures for disadvantaged young people.
- Key policy developments
- Data on the benefits of residentials
- Big debate: What is the future for residentials post NCS?
Practice examples:
