A MAJOR conference to highlight alternative learning opportunities for children in Wiltshire is being held next month.

The conference, to launch the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, will be held on Friday May 9 between 10am and 4pm at the Wellington Barn Conference Centre, near Calne. It will be opened by Wiltshire County Council's director of the department for children and education, Carolyn Godfrey.

The Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, launched by the Secretary of State for Education, emphasises how meaningful learning outcomes can be achieved through alternative learning settings such as outdoor activities, culture, arts or sports.

David Hemery CBE, the Vice-chair of the British Olympics Association and renowned explorer David Hempleman-Adams MBE OBE will be speaking at the event.

Other keynote speakers at the conference include Stephen Brown, the chairman of the National Outdoor Activities Panel, and Peter Westgarth, National Director of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Students from Bowerhill Primary School in Melksham and Abbeyfield School in Chippenham will talk about their experiences of outdoor learning and expeditions overseas. There will be exhibitions from a number of outdoors education organisations. Adventurous delegates can also try their hand at archery or scaling a climbing wall.

Invitations to attend the conference have been opened to representatives working within schools, services for young people and voluntary sector organisations.

Wiltshire County Council's cabinet member for education and youth development, Nancy Bryant said: "This is an important event for Wiltshire. I am delighted to be involved as it is something dear to my heart. I wish this had been available to me when I was a child."

The conference is being supported by a host of organisations including, Wiltshire County Council, the Young Explorers Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, the Wiltshire Gardens Trust, English Heritage and a number of outdoor education providers.

To find out more, or to reserve a place for your school or youth organisation, contact Sarah King from Wiltshire County Council on 01225 756158 or email sarahking@wiltshire.gov.uk.