Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns, near Stowmarket, awarded Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge

A Suffolk sanctuary, which cares for and rehabilitates owls, as well as promoting their conservation, has been given national recognition.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns has been awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge for its educational visits.

The accolade recognises quality of learning and effectiveness of risk management from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Susan Jones, education officer at the sanctuary, said: “Being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge is a fantastic achievement for all the staff here as it shows that we offer schools, youth groups and home educating families high-quality learning experiences.

“We are thrilled to get official recognition for our efforts, and we look forward to welcoming even more children and young people to the sanctuary.”

The badge is held by some of the leading providers of educational visits and is endorsed by the Department for Education.

Dr Anne Hunt, chief executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, said: “Educational visits are the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life.

“The badge offers teachers the reassurance that the venue is providing high-quality educational experiences and have the appropriate risk management structures in place. I congratulate Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.”