Putting safety first

Keeping you safe is the most important thing we do. Our grounds, buildings and facilities meet the highest of health and safety standards, and we take security on our site very seriously. Woodrow holds the AAIAC Adventuremark and is LOTC certified in the Outdoor Learning Centre, and our Leisure Centre is an RLSS Accredited Training Centre. All our staff are trained in safeguarding and we have an on-site Designated Safeguarding Officer.

All of our instructors, lifeguards and swimming teachers are highly experienced and highly qualified, undergoing regular training and observation to ensure standards are maintained. Rest assured, we provide the highest standard of care to all of our visitors and are fully accredited by all the relevant regulatory bodies.

Security and staffing

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ID Badges

All our staff wear ID badges so you can easily identify who are members of our team. All visitors sign in and are issued lanyards for the duration of their visit.

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DBS checks

Every member of our team is DBS checked.

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First aid

All our staff involved in delivery, as well as the majority of our office team, are trained in first aid. Our lifeguards have monthly training in this area.

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Public access

Our grounds are not open for public access. Outside of organised community events, our Manor House is for residential guests, and our Leisure Centre for booked services.

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Coded access

Our Manor House has coded access to the building, and each sleeping area is zoned off to ensure group separation. Our Leisure Centre building has one entrance, with a Duty Manager to welcome visitors.

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24/7 residential support

There’s is always a duty instructor on shift overnight and a manager on call 24/7 for guests visiting on a residential.

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Lifeguards

All lifeguards hold a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification via the RLSS and attend monthly training.

Accreditations

  • A small circle Learning Outside the Classroom Quality badge
  • A small circle Adventuremark Certificate
  • A small circle Ofsted
  • A small circle Royal Life Saving Society UK
  • A small circle Swim England
  • A small circle Swim Teacher Association

FAQs

What are your emergency procedures?

Major incident and emergency protocols are in place during residential trips and in our leisure centre. Our communication procedures are clearly defined, and staff undergo incident training refreshers. We have annual visits from the local fire service to inform and support fire procedures, and evacuation plans are readily available with emergency contact information if needed.

How secure and safe are your accommodation buildings?

Our buildings meet the highest of safety standards – from fire safety measures to secure entrances and appropriate supervision at all times. All groups joining a residential will have a welcome where we run through safety and security, to ensure everyone feels secure and comfortable throughout. We always have an overnight Duty Instructor on site, in the building, for extra security.

What happens in case of an accident or illness?

All our staff involved in delivery, as well as the majority of our office team, are trained in first aid. Our lifeguards have monthly training in this area. We have ample first aid equipment on site, as well as two defibrilators if they are needed. Our staff are aware of the necessary procedures to be followed in dealing with an accident or emergency, and will always liaise with group leaders to ensure we comply with your procedures. All accidents and incidents are recorded.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

We operate in all weather, except for thunder and lightning. If thunder and lightning occur during your stay, activities are suspended and alternative indoor activities are arranged. We monitor weather forecasts closely.

How do you manage safeguarding, particularly with vulnerable young people?

All of our staff are trained in safeguarding procedures, and our Head of Centre is the on-site DSO. Do have a read of our safeguarding policy, which you will find in the Useful downloads section of our website.

How do you keep groups separate when staying in the house?

Groups that share the house will naturally cross over in communal spaces. Our bedroom accommodation is, however, split in to zones, which we will allocate to each group. Each zone has it’s own access and parts of the house can be locked for additional security. When you arrive on site, we’ll discuss this with you so you know exactly what to expect.

How robust are your operating procedures and risk assessment?

All of our operating procedures are supported by approved industry standard codes of practice and conform to NGB guidelines where relevant to safe conduct of the particular activity. Our documentation describe relevant hazards, risks and control measures and are the blueprint by which all of our instructors and managers operate.

I’m nervous about activities being too dangerous. How will you keep my child safe?

We totally understand this. There is always risk with any adventure activity, and while we can never guarantee accidents won’t happen, everything we do is risk assessed, and we have the most robust operating procedures in place. Our accreditations are a indication of our highest safety standards. Please be reassured that your child will be in good hands, with highly qualified and expertly trained instructors who are trained to recognise each child’s individual capabilities, level, and pace.

Any questions?

Have any questions about safety? Feel free to get in touch – we’re here to make sure you feel confident and secure during your outdoor adventure.