by mark

NewsApril 29, 20190 comments

The Gold Standard in Outdoor Learning

Did you know we are the only outdoor activity centre in the South West to hold the AHOEC’s Gold Standard for the exceptional quality of our outdoor education? And we have done so for several years running?

As proud members of the AHOEC (Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres), which exists to champion the highest safety and quality standards in the provision of outdoor learning, we continue to be one of just 49 centres across the UK currently operating to Gold Standard level.

Awarded only to the most outstanding outdoor education providers, the AHOEC’s Gold Standard was developed to go beyond the criteria set by the LOtC Quality Badge and AALA (to which we are also accredited). Assessment for the accreditation covers nine areas, encompassing not only safety standards but also the quality of service and learning provided, as follows:

1. Compliance with AHOEC Code of Conduct
2. Learning and Development
3. Customer Care
4. Safety Management
5. Facilities
6. Leadership and Management
7. Environmental Sustainability
8. Compliance and Insurance
9. Continuous Improvement

Applicants must achieve a score of 4 out of 5 in each of these areas in order to be successful. Our Gold Standard accreditation therefore demonstrates exceptional performance across all aspects of our outdoor education delivery and learning outcomes, including the quality and safety of our facilities, staff and customer care – which, ultimately, means the best possible outdoor learning experience for our visitors.

“We strive for excellence in everything we do at Calvert Trust Exmoor and are proud to hold a growing number of awards and accreditations for the services and activities we provide. Most recently we won Best UK Abseiling Experience, by public vote, in the UK Adventure Awards.

I’m very proud that all the instructors here, and every member of centre staff, continue to improve the Calvert experience in every way possible, which is why we’re the only adventure centre in England where you can enjoy outdoor activities from the comfort of five-star, accessible accommodation accredited by VisitEngland.”

– Mark Worfell, Activities Manager

Our residential adventure breaks are built around a structured programme of activities led by our highly qualified instructors, all tailored to the specific needs of each visitor. Activities include cycling, climbing, abseiling, horse riding, archery, low ropes, and crate stacking. We also have exclusive access to Wistlandpound Reservoir for sailing, kayaking and canoeing.

With a range of indoor and outdoor activities on offer, and standard and adaptive equipment provided to suit individual needs, our aim is to provide each and every guest with the best possible experience so that they leave eager to return and keen to recommend it to others.

To ensure Calvert Trust Exmoor continues to meet the demands of its Gold Standard, the AHOEC carries out inspections every two years.

If you would like to know more about our Outdoor Education and School Residential Activity Breaks, visit https://calvertexmoor.org.uk/schools/ or give us a call on 01598 763221.