Accreditation
We are inspected bi-annually by both the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), and by the Council for Learning outside the Classroom (LOtC).
We additionally hold Adventuremark accreditation, (also inspected by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom) for adventure activities and age groups which lie outside the scope of AALA accreditation.
Copies of our current AALA licence and LOtC Quality badge are available to view below - along with a selection of comments from previous inspection reports.
We are inspected bi-annually by both the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), and by the Council for Learning outside the Classroom (LOtC).
We additionally hold Adventuremark accreditation, (also inspected by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom) for adventure activities and age groups which lie outside the scope of AALA accreditation.
Copies of our current AALA licence and LOtC Quality badge are available to view below - along with a selection of comments from previous inspection reports.
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Learning outside the Classroom (LOtC) Inspection - November 2023
Overall comments
With so many young people in close proximity the centre enables young people to explore the wider countryside on their doorstep. This opportunity is embraced by teaching staff at local schools.
The care taken in delivery of sessions to meet outcomes was notable upon my visit and the session observed set a distinct standard in how orienteering can be delivered using a wide array of resources, including IT to year one primary students.
Accommodation is of a good standard and the centre has a welcoming and friendly feel to those staying, and the consistent staff team contributes positively to the experience.
Overall comments
With so many young people in close proximity the centre enables young people to explore the wider countryside on their doorstep. This opportunity is embraced by teaching staff at local schools.
The care taken in delivery of sessions to meet outcomes was notable upon my visit and the session observed set a distinct standard in how orienteering can be delivered using a wide array of resources, including IT to year one primary students.
Accommodation is of a good standard and the centre has a welcoming and friendly feel to those staying, and the consistent staff team contributes positively to the experience.
Learning outside the Classroom (LOtC) Inspection- October 2015
Overall comments
Castleshaw is a lovely centre in a fantastic rural location. It is well resourced both on and off site and works with a highly qualified staff team delivering sessions which are geared to the clients requirements. Internal facilities are in a good condition to service small numbers and the addition of excellent AV and IT facilities compliment the outdoor learning delivered.
AALA session observation May 2014 - (Ghyll scrambling at Dovestones Reservoir)
"This was an excellent session with a good mix of adventure allied to educational content. It appeared to follow current good practice and to reflect the information given and viewed during the inspection of safety management systems."
"This was an excellent session with a good mix of adventure allied to educational content. It appeared to follow current good practice and to reflect the information given and viewed during the inspection of safety management systems."
LOtC inspection summary - October 2013
"During the inspection the impression was gained that Dave Faulconbridge runs a very effective Centre with well qualified and committed staff, most of whom have a teaching qualification as well as outdoor skills qualifications. They make excellent use of the centre facilities and the surrounding environment which includes historical and scientific interest as well as personal and team building potential. They continue to develop these facilities further."
"During the inspection the impression was gained that Dave Faulconbridge runs a very effective Centre with well qualified and committed staff, most of whom have a teaching qualification as well as outdoor skills qualifications. They make excellent use of the centre facilities and the surrounding environment which includes historical and scientific interest as well as personal and team building potential. They continue to develop these facilities further."
Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) initial inspection summary - October 2009 - overall comments
"I gained the overall impression of a well organised centre with very good systems of communication within the centre and with its users. The centre staff are not only highly technically qualified, but all of them have some form of educational qualifications.
Centre facilities are excellent and appeared to be well maintained.
There is evidence that centre policy and procedures are continually evaluated and reviewed and there appeared to be a willingness to consider and where necessary to take advice."
"I gained the overall impression of a well organised centre with very good systems of communication within the centre and with its users. The centre staff are not only highly technically qualified, but all of them have some form of educational qualifications.
Centre facilities are excellent and appeared to be well maintained.
There is evidence that centre policy and procedures are continually evaluated and reviewed and there appeared to be a willingness to consider and where necessary to take advice."