More than 40 East Ayrshire education establishments have competed in the fifth ‘O’ Factor Outdoor Excellence Awards held in May at St Joseph’s Academy, Kilmarnock.

And one Stewarton staff member came up trumps.

Claire McGregor, of Nether Robertland ECC picked up the Excellent Outdoor Practitioner Award.

Organised by EAC Learning Outdoors Support Team, the ‘O’ Factor awards celebrate the best outdoor learning practice across East Ayrshire schools, recognising establishments, teachers and staff who have gone the extra mile to deliver innovation and fun to young people in outdoor learning.

Projects, ideas and initiatives are displayed at the ‘O’ Factor, along with a number of exhibitors, all showcasing the best in outdoor learning.

During the day, almost 200 visiting teachers and early years workers cast their votes for the best outdoor education practice in four sectors – early years, primary, secondary and special education.

The winners for 2017 were: Brilliant Residential Award – Park School Excellent Outdoor Practitioner Award – Claire McGregor Nether Robertland ECC Outdoor Excellence Award Secondary – St Joseph’s Academy Outdoor Excellence Special Education Award – Willowbank School Outdoor Excellence Award Primary– Patna Primary School Outdoor Excellence Award Early Education – Darvel Early Childhood Centre Excellent Outdoor Teacher Award – Danion Neilson-Bell from Kilmarnock Academy Councillor Fiona Campbell, East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “The ‘O’ Factor is the most significant awards ceremony for outdoor learning excellence in East Ayrshire.

“Each year, our teachers and schools help organise thousands of days of outdoor experiences for young pupils which include visits, trips, excursions, matches, shows, concerts and more.

“It’s an important and fun way for colleagues to share best practice and to see the huge range of educational experiences our schools and early childhood centres offer our pupils.

“A hearty well done to all those earning awards this year and I look forward to seeing new and exciting developments in how we deliver outdoor learning in the next academic year.”