What is it?

Learning is about much more than what happens in school. School can provide your child with a range of out-of-school learning opportunities, but parents play an important role in helping their children make the most of these opportunities. 

There are at least three types of out-of-school learning:

Organised out-of-school learning 

Activities which take place outside of formal, timetabled lessons. Pupils take part on a voluntary basis. Activities range from clubs where your child can get help with their homework to clubs where they can learn new skills related to music, cookery, dance, sports and so on.  

Supporting school learning at home 

Schools will sometimes offer special materials to help you work with your children at home on subjects that are being taught in school, for example story sacks.  

Anytime learning 

Day-to-day opportunities you can take to help your child’s learning.        

There are also clubs and schemes run by youth organisations that are separate from schools. For more information, visit the Youth Scotland website.